 In advance of the storm , public schools and many private schools closed , Although no mandatory evacuations were ordered , multiple shelters were opened in schools and churches and government offices shut down in anticipation of Harvey 's onslaught . Several counties issued a state of emergency . Residents prepared individually by , for example , securing boats and lawn furniture . Free sand and sandbags were made available to the general public and inmates filled bags for those physically unable to do so themselves . Officials at Lake Manatee began lowering the water level to help avoid flooding . In Hillsborough County the threat of the storm forced the cancellation of local football programs . 
