Since 1953 there have been forty-two federally declared disasters affecting Sarasota County. Twenty tropical storms and seven severe storms. It is important to make a plan to stay safe.
Have a plan to evacuate and to shelter safely and let your family know what it is and how to contact you. Take time now to gather the supplies and knowledge you will need when a storm arrives.
Key Tips
- #1 reason to evacuate is storm surge.
- First responders are pulled off the road when sustained winds reach 45-55 mph. If you make the decision to stay you are on your own. No help will come until after the storm.
- Alert Sarasota County is the website to get updated information, subscribe to them.
- Place an ice cube on top of your frozen food in the freezer, if it is melted when you get back, throw away the food.
- Take all important papers and medication with you when you evacuate.
- Turn everything off when you leave: water, circuit breakers, etc.
- Keep your car at least 1/2 full of fuel during hurricane season.
- Video/picture of all your belongings for reference in case you have damage.
- Have at least a week of food and water for your family and pets. You may not have electricity after the storm so be sure you have things that do not need to be cooked unless you can safely use a grill
- Read and abide by the Sarasota All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guide.