Charlotte County installs reflective evacuation, hurricane surge signage

The Charlotte County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with Charlotte County Public Works, has installed over 12,900 reflective vinyl bands on stop signs and intersections throughout unincorporated areas of Charlotte County. These 3-inch-wide bands, which feature both the color and letter of evacuation zones, are designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to identify their evacuation zone and storm surge risk during a tropical storm or hurricane.

The bands’ color-coded system corresponds to the county’s five evacuation zones: Zone A – Red: Highest-risk, lowest-lying areas near bodies of water, including much of Punta Gorda. Residents in this zone are the first to be ordered to evacuate. Zone B – Orange: Together with Zone A, these two zones include about two-thirds of Charlotte County’s population. Zone C – Yellow; Zone D – Green, Zone E – Purple

“Storm surge, not wind speed, is the deadliest part of a hurricane,” said Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller. “These reflective bands give our community a quick, clear reminder of their evacuation zone so they can take action when ordered to leave.”

Understanding Evacuation Zones

Evacuation zones are not determined solely by elevation. They are based on National Hurricane Center data, elevation and evacuation routes. Importantly, storm surge does not directly correlate with a storm’s category.

Residents are urged to:

• Locate their home and workplace on the evacuation zone map.

• Identify their zone by color and letter (example: Zone B – Orange).

• Plan in advance where they will go if ordered to evacuate.

• Stay with relatives or friends outside the evacuation zone.

• Book a hotel or motel early.

• Leave the area entirely.

• Confirm availability before heading to a public shelter.

All mobile home, manufactured home and RV residents should evacuate before the onset of tropical storm-force winds, regardless of their location.

Residents can confirm their evacuation zone online at CharlotteCountyFL.gov/KnowYourZone.