SARASOTA COUNTY – As Florida enters hurricane season starting June 1, it’s an important time for you to take precautions for hazardous weather and ensure their disaster supply kits are complete. Knowing the 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. You are encouraged to check the updated maps online to know your evacuation level, previously known as a “zone.”
According to Sarasota County Emergency Management Officials, just because you can’t see water from your home, doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for storm surge. The updated hurricane evacuation levels and storm surge maps are available online by visiting scgov.net/beprepared.
Be Prepared: As the storm approaches, it is often too late to get ready. Take action now to be prepared for hurricane season. 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.” 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 or for Sarasota County emergency newsletter, residents are strongly encouraged to do so now.
Sign-up for both, by visiting scgov.net and looking under Emergency Services page. In addition, monitor local media stations, Sarasota County Facebook and Twitter accounts for hurricane watches and warnings in your area. Remember to follow directions of local officials, along with having 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/beprepared or call Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.
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