With hurricane season starting Sunday, Pinellas County employees are completing their final training sessions to operate emergency shelters. Knowing where to go during a storm can be lifesaving, and local officials are making sure shelters are ready when residents need them most.

“We had around 1,700 people for Hurricane Helene and close to 14,000 for Hurricane Milton,” said Adam Pedzich, Pinellas County’s response and recovery manager.

Thousands of residents sought refuge at county shelters during recent storms, often bringing pets along. This year, staff are being trained once again to ensure operations run smoothly if shelters are needed.

“We’ve held 10 training sessions this year,” Pedzich said. “We go over everything from handling paperwork and setting up shelter spaces to registering individuals as they arrive.”

Pedzich emphasized the importance of preparation, especially given the county has activated shelters four times in the past three years—for hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, and Milton.

“It’s stressful for both staff and residents,” he said. “One of our training components focuses on mental health. Sometimes a conversation can de-escalate a tense situation and prevent the need for law enforcement.”

About 100 county employees collaborate with school staff, police officers, firefighters, and cafeteria workers to operate shelters based in local schools.

Even after shelters close, the need doesn’t always end. “If someone’s home is damaged, we may transition to using recreation centers or churches with our partners,” Pedzich explained.

While officials hope evacuation orders won’t be necessary this year, they encourage residents to be prepared just in case.

“Even if you’re not in a mandatory evacuation zone, a shelter might still be the best option,” Pedzich said. “Have a plan and know where you’re going.”

Pinellas County offers general population, pet-friendly, and special needs shelters. To help residents get ready, a free hurricane preparedness expo will take place Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Willis S. Johns Recreation Center in St. Petersburg.

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