City of Sarasota
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Atlantic hurricane seasons extends from June 1 through November 30. It is extremely important to prepare for tropical weather far in advance of a storm’s potential impact. Don’t scramble to take steps as a as a hurricane nears landfall. Act early to protect family, friends, homes and businesses.
Stay Informed
Sign up for Alert Sarasota County to receive alerts and updates in Sarasota County. This official notification system provides rapid emergency alerts and updates via phone, text or email, depending on your preference. It’s quick and easy to sign up. Be sure to select ‘City for Sarasota’ for updates specific to our area. Register for Alert Sarasota.
Monitor local media and follow the City of Sarasota on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor.
Storm Preparation Needs
Ensure you have these items if you plan to shelter in place:
- Perishable food and drinking water for several days for each person
- Medications, prescriptions and a first aid kit
- Baby needs
- Canned food and a can opener
- Battery-operated television or radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
- Photocopies of important documents including birth certificate, license and insurance.
- Paper items
- Pet supplies
- Cash
- Keep at least a half tank of gasoline in your car.
Preparing your home and business
Before storm season begins, take the following steps to protect your home:
- Safely and properly trim tree branches
- Clear rain gutters and downspouts of debris
- Secure and reinforce your roof, windows and doors, including garage doors
- Learn how and when to turn off gas, water and electricity
- Obtain sandbags as needed
Have a written disaster recovery plan. This will aid in communicating with employees, local authorities and customers.
- Encourage employees to have a workplace disaster kit
- Develop a method to communicate with all employees
- Evaluate insurance coverage
- Secure important documents off-site in water-tight containers
- Unplug equipment
Mobile homes are an unsafe shelter in high winds no matter how well fastened to the ground. Make sure you have an evacuation plan.
Take precautions to ensure your mobile home is properly secured to reduce possible damage to your home and your neighbor’s property.
- Check tie-downs annually. Ensure straps are tight, properly aligned and not on an angle.
- Verify that ground anchors and stabilizer plates have been installed properly.
- Be sure support piers are in contact with the frame.
- Replace straps or ground anchors that show signs of corrosion or damage.
- Know your evacuation level. Find it online here.
- Locate evacuation centers near you. Evacuation centers throughout Sarasota County.
- All evacuation centers in Sarasota County are pet-friendly. Evacuation centers only accept domestic dogs and cats. Bring a crate and food for your pet.
- These items are important to bring:
- Drinking water
- Snacks or special foods
- Bedding and pillows
- Book or electronic entertainment items with headphones and chargers
- Change of clothing
- Personal hygiene items (including toilet paper)
- Games/comfort items for children
- Seven (7) day supply of prescription medications
- Over the counter medications, including pain and allergy relief
- Back-up pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards, driver license or photo I.D.
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Flashlight
- Cooler bag or small cooler for medications that must be kept cold
Sarasota County offers a program designed for those with qualifying medical needs. It is vital to apply for these services in advance so, if qualified, you will be on the registry that identifies transportation and sheltering needs at medically dependent evacuation centers. Learn about the Medical Needs Program and how to apply.
Additional resources:
Florida Division of Emergency Management