Disaster Preparedness & Disaster Response

“God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble therefore will not we fear...” — Psalm 46:1-2

A Letter from the Pastor

Anona Family,
One of the greatest dangers we face in Pinellas County is a hurricane’s direct hit or near miss. It is important to prepare for the potential, and doing so well ahead of time can help avoid chaos or panic in the event a hurricane approaches and threatens our area. I cannot stress enough the importance of preparation.

We don’t have the answers, but we want to steer you toward places where you can get them. Below is some information that will help you address questions and concerns about storms and how to prepare. Our sole concern is your safety, and because the church will close in the event of a storm, we want you to be as prepared as possible.

Take a look at the information below. Click the links to learn more. Simple steps now can help you avoid emergencies later. We hope this resource is helpful to you and encourage you to share this page with friends and family.

-Dr. Rev. Latricia

Preparation is Empowerment!

Our first concern is your safety.

Please take a few moments to review this information from your church and be sure to visit the emergency management links provided.

When a storm threatens our area, check here for information.

First, Know Your Risk

Pinellas County orders evacuations to protect residents who are at risk from storm surge, who live in a mobile home or who are dependent on electricity for medical needs. To learn more about evacuations and to look up your evacuation zone:

Download the Ready Pinellas App

For many reasons, Anona Church is not a storm shelter. Once the church closes for a storm event, critical infrastructure will be shut down and only essential staff will be permitted on campus until the church officially reopens.

Next, Make a Plan

Once you know your risk, it is essential to plan to manage those risks. Your hurricane plan starts with knowing if and when you will need to evacuate your home.

Where will you evacuate to? How will you get there? For more information visit: Evacuation – Pinellas County
Pinellas County has a shelter program for those with special needs, but you will need to register in advance!
For more information visit: Special Needs – Pinellas County
You should gather basic emergency supplies at the start of every hurricane season! Don’t wait until the stores are crowded and sold out! For more information visit Emergency Kit – Pinellas County
Your plan should account for all family members including your pets! Fore more information visit: Preparing Pets for Emergencies – Pinellas County

County Shelters are a lifeboat, not a cruise ship! You are encouraged to use a county shelter only as a last option. Wherever you evactuate to, be sure and have plenty of food, medicines and necessities.

AUMC Director of Facilities Scott Magness has a background in emergency management and will be happy to meet with you to discuss your hurricane planning. Contact Scott by email.

Stay Informed

During an emergency, Pinellas County provides up-to-the-minute information to help you protect yourself, your loved ones and your property. During an emergency, check the Emergency Information page frequently for the latest official information. Pinellas County activates the County Information Center to answer your questions. You can reach the information center by calling (727) 464-4333. Hours of operation will be announced through alerts, social media and the Pinellas County website.

Your church will also provide frequent updates pertaining to church operations via the AUMC website and social media platforms.

Once we begin monitoring a storm event, there will be an information quick link on the Anona Home Page.

AUMC closes when:

Pinellas County Schools close
There are sustained tropical storm winds in our areas
Church leadership determines closing to be appropriate

The length of closure will vary depending on circumstances. For your safety, please refrain from being on campus until the all-clear is formally declared by church leadership.

Post-Storm Status

The church will make every effort to maintain communications via normal means, but it is quite possible that electronic communications will be compromised by the storm. As a last resort, and when it is safe, the church will place signage at the lobby doors on the Indian Rocks Road side of the campus.

Please do not come to the church until Pinellas County has declared road travel safe!

For more information on hurricane preparedness, be sure to visit:

Hurricane Guide – English – Pinellas County or, Hurricane Guide – Spanish – Pinellas County

Disaster Response

Disaster Assistance – Pinellas County and Emergency Information – Pinellas County. You will find links to local, state, and federal resources including FEMA, which can provide assistance which may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster related expenses. You can also call Pinellas County at: 727-464-4333 for direction to appropriate resources.

Pinellas County also has points of distribution where residents affected by Hurricane Milton can receive free food, water, and tarps while they last. For locations: CLICK HERE

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will also be opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, to assist residents affected by Hurricane Milton on Monday, October 14. DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery. For more information: FEMA Disaster Recovery Center