Hurricane Milton: Do you live in an evacuation zone? Here's how to find out

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned that mandatory and voluntary evacuations would happen as Hurricane Milton makes its way across the Gulf of Mexico towards the state's west coast.

Milton became a Category 1 hurricane on Sunday, and is expected to strengthen further into a possible major hurricane – a Cat. 3 storm or higher.

Click here for updates on Hurricane Milton.

Some areas near Tampa Bay have already issued mandatory evacuations for those who live along the coastline.

Do you live in a flood zone? Here's how to find out.

If you live in a low-lying area that's prone to flooding, in a mobile home, or an unsafe structure, those areas may be ordered to evacuate during a hurricane, either part of a voluntary evacuation or a mandatory evacuation.

To find out whether you live in a flood zone:

• Visit www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone and click the "Know Your Zone map" link.
• Type in your address. It will then let you know if you're in a flood zone, and if you are, what zone.

Those who live in Zone A are considered to be the most vulnerable and are typically the first to be evacuated. Zone E is the least likely to be evacuated. 

The main zones are A, B, C, D, and E. However, some counties have zones specific to them. There are a total of 21 flood zones in Florida.

A generic screen of the Florida Evacuation Zone map from FloridaDisaster.org. Please check with local officials about current mandatory and/or voluntary evacuations.

What do you do if you are ordered to evacuate?

• Before a tropical storm or hurricane arrives, make sure to have a disaster kit and an evacuation plan prepared. Take photos of your home, make sure you have important documents with you (ie: driver's license or ID, social security card, passport, cash, etc.).
• Listen to county emergency management officials for the latest updates on preparations, evacuations, or shelters
• The safest and easiest option, according to FloridaDisaster.org, is to stay with friends or family. However, some counties will usually open an emergency shelter.
• Click here for emergency management updates in your county.