SARASOTA COUNTY – As Florida enters hurricane season, it’s an important time for local residents to take precautions for hazardous weather and ensure their disaster supply kits are complete, according to Sarasota County Emergency Services officials.
Sarasota County is committed to ensuring the safety of community, and officials are calling on you to prepare with them. Knowing your risk, getting prepared, and staying informed are just a few steps you can take to get ready for hurricane season.
Know Your Risk: Hurricane evacuation maps have been updated by the National Hurricane Center since last year. Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the updated maps online to know their zone. Just because you don’t see water, doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for storm surge. The updated hurricane evacuation zones and storm surge maps are available online by visiting the “All Hazards” page on the county’s website, scgov.net, by looking under Emergency Services.
Be Prepared: Take action now to be prepared for hurricane season. As the storm approaches, it is often too late to get ready. Make sure your family has an evacuation plan, communications plan and a disaster kit. A disaster kit should have supplies to last each person a minimum of three days. Remember, “The First 72 Are on You,” and resources and support may not be available within the first 72 hours of a storm depending on its severity.
Stay Informed: Know where to go to get trusted information during a hurricane event. If you haven’t signed up already for CodeRED Alerts, Sarasota County strongly encourages residents to do so now. Sign up by visiting scgov.net and looking under Emergency Services for CodeRED registration. Monitor local media stations and Sarasota County Emergency Services Facebook and Twitter pages for hurricane watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Residents should also have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available should the power go out.
For more information on how you and your family can be prepared, visit www.scgov.net/allhazards or call Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.