Hurricane Preparedness & Evacuation Policy

Florida Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Tropical systems can still develop outside those dates, and a storm does not need to become a hurricane to cause dangerous storm surge, flooding, rip currents, or travel disruptions along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Understanding Coastal Risk Near JC Resorts

Pinellas County orders hurricane evacuations primarily according to storm surge risk, not simply the storm’s category. Evacuation zones are different from flood zones. Guests should use the address of their specific JC Resorts property in the county’s Know Your Zone tool and follow the evacuation level announced for that location.

Coastal hazards may include:

• Storm surge and fast rising coastal water
• Heavy rainfall and localized flooding
• Hurricane or tropical storm force winds
• Tornadoes and dangerous rip currents
• Bridge, causeway, and roadway closures
• Power, water, internet, and cellular service interruptions

Stay Informed Before and During Your Stay

Use multiple reliable sources for current information:

• • National Hurricane Center forecasts and advisories: nhc.noaa.gov
  • Pinellas County Emergency Information: Emergency Information – Pinellas County
  • Alert Pinellas emergency notifications: Alert Pinellas – Pinellas County
  • Ready Pinellas app for alerts, planning tools, and evacuation zone information
  • Local television, radio, and National Weather Service updates
  • JC Resorts messages regarding your reservation or rental property

In an emergency, call 911 for a life-threatening situation. For official Pinellas County emergency information, Emergency Information – Pinellas County or call Pinellas County Emergency Management at 727-464-3800.

Hurricane Terms to Know

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible, generally within 48 hours before tropical storm-force winds may begin.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected, generally within 36 hours before tropical storm force winds may begin.
• Storm Surge Watch: Life-threatening coastal inundation is possible, generally within 48 hours.
• Storm Surge Warning: Life-threatening coastal inundation is expected or occurring, generally within 36 hours.

What JC Resorts Guests Should Do When a Storm Approaches

• Check official forecasts frequently. Storm tracks and impacts can change quickly.
• Keep your phone charged and confirm that JC Resorts has your current mobile number and email address.
• Refuel your vehicle early and identify a destination outside any ordered evacuation area.
• Keep medications, identification, payment methods, travel documents, and essential supplies together.
• Follow instructions from JC Resorts about the condo, keys, parking permits, doors, windows, balcony items, and departure procedures.
• Do not place tape on windows, install shutters, move outdoor property, or make changes to the condo unless JC Resorts specifically instructs you to do so.

JC Resorts Storm Communication

When tropical weather may affect the area, JC Resorts may contact guests by phone, text, or email with reservation updates, office information, property instructions, or evacuation notices. Weather conditions, utility failures, and evacuation orders may temporarily delay response times.

Mandatory Evacuations

If Pinellas County or another authorized local government issues a mandatory evacuation for the area where your vacation rental is located, every guest must leave promptly. Remaining in a rental after an evacuation order may place you and emergency responders at serious risk.

Before leaving:

• Take all guests, personal belongings, prescription medications, medical devices, and travel documents.
• Remove perishable food and trash if time and official instructions allow.
• Close and lock windows and doors, turn off lights and small appliances, and follow any property specific instructions from JC Resorts.
• Return keys, fobs, or parking materials only as directed; office operations may change during an evacuation.
• Tell a trusted contact where you are going and avoid driving through floodwater.

Evacuating from the St. Pete and Clearwater Beaches

JC Resorts properties are spread across several beach communities, so there is no single route that is correct for every guest or every storm. Bridges and roads may close, traffic patterns may change, and law enforcement may direct vehicles away from a normally preferred route.

When an evacuation is ordered:

• Leave Gulf Boulevard using the nearest route that officials confirm is open.
• Follow posted signs, traffic-control officers, and official evacuation instructions inland.
• Use FL511.com or the Florida 511 app for current road and bridge conditions.
• Do not rely only on a navigation app; it may not reflect closures, flooding, or emergency traffic controls.
• Never drive around barricades or through standing water.

If You Need a Public Shelter

Pinellas County opens shelters based on the needs of each emergency. Shelter locations and opening times can change, so never travel to a shelter until the County confirms it is open. Public shelters are a refuge of last resort and may provide limited space and comfort. Review current shelter information through Pinellas County Emergency Management or the Ready Pinellas app.

Travel Insurance and Reservation Policies

Hurricanes can interrupt flights, close roads, trigger mandatory evacuations, or make a rental temporarily unavailable. JC Resorts strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance when booking a Florida Gulf Coast vacation during hurricane season.
Coverage varies by plan. Depending on the policy and the circumstances, insurance may cover certain trip cancellations, interruptions, travel delays, or mandatory evacuations. Fear of travel, a forecasted storm that does not meet the policy’s covered event requirements, or a voluntary early departure may not be covered.

Returning After a Hurricane

Do not return to a JC Resorts property until local officials have lifted applicable evacuation orders and JC Resorts has confirmed that the rental and building can receive guests. A countywide announcement does not guarantee that every beach road, condominium building, elevator, utility, or individual rental is ready for occupancy.

After a storm, conditions may include:

• • Restricted access to barrier island communities
  • Flooded or damaged roads and closed bridges
  • Power, water, elevator, or internet outages
  • Boil water notices and limited fuel or groceries
  • Debris, damaged beach accesses, and unavailable resort amenities

Guests should wait for direct instructions from JC Resorts before attempting to re-enter a property. Barrier island re-entry procedures may prioritize emergency crews, residents, business owners, and credentialed personnel before visitors.

Hurricane Facts and Definitions

Eye
The center of a tropical cyclone, where conditions may temporarily become calmer. Dangerous winds can return suddenly when the opposite side of the eyewall arrives.

Eyewall
The ring of intense thunderstorms surrounding the eye, typically containing the storm’s strongest winds and heaviest rain.

Storm Surge
An abnormal rise of seawater pushed toward shore by a storm. Surge can travel inland, flood roads and buildings, and become life-threatening.

Evacuation Zone
An area identified according to storm-surge risk and used by local officials when ordering evacuations. It is not the same as a FEMA flood zone.

Official Hurricane Resources

For the latest Florida Gulf Coast hurricane information, evacuation orders, shelters, and road conditions, use these official resources:

• National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Pinellas County Emergency Information: https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information/
• Pinellas County Evacuation Information: https://pinellas.gov/evacuation/
• Know Your Zone: https://kyz.pinellas.gov/
• Alert Pinellas: https://pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas/
• Ready Pinellas: https://pinellas.gov/ready-pinellas/
• Florida 511: https://fl511.com/