11 Essential Tips
Living in Sarasota means enjoying beautiful beaches and sunny weather, but it also requires being prepared for hurricane season. Here are ten essential tips to help you get ready before the active season starts:
1. Know your evacuation zone
- It’s essential: Know your home’s evacuation zone to understand your risk level during a hurricane. Check local government websites and maps for detailed information about your specific area.
- Stay Informed: Regularly tune into local news for real-time updates and evacuation instructions as hurricanes approach.
- Online Resources: Utilize online maps and tools provided by local authorities to quickly and easily find your evacuation zone. This can help you make informed decisions and prepare accordingly.
Sarasota County: https://sarco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=0219841617274028b5bf5867fcf4c57b
Manatee County: https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/evacuation_levels
2. Create an Emergency Plan
- Family Communication: Establish a communication plan with your family. Decide on meeting places and emergency contacts.
- Evacuation Routes: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
3. Build an Emergency Kit
- Supplies: Assemble a kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
- Duration: Ensure you have enough supplies to last at least three days for each family member.
4. Prepare Your Home
- Storm Shutters: Install storm shutters or have plywood ready to board up windows. Or know who you are going to call in advance to help you put those shutters up. Call way in advance.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Roof and Gutters: Inspect and repair your roof and gutters to prevent leaks and water damage.
5. Review Insurance Policies
- Coverage Check: Review your homeowners’ insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane-related damage.
- Flood Insurance: Consider purchasing flood insurance, as standard homeowners’ policies typically do not cover flood damage. Speak to a homeowners insurance person to get their feedback.
6. Trim Trees and Shrubs
- Maintenance: Regularly trim trees and shrubs around your property to minimize the risk of branches breaking and causing damage during a storm.
7. Stay Informed
- Weather Alerts: Sign up for local weather alerts and monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center. I have tracked the direction of the hurricane on windy.com and feel that the platform is very good to prepare you.
- Local News: Follow local news stations and official social media accounts for real-time information. If the local government tells you to evacuate, evacuate.
8. Backup Power
- Generators: Consider purchasing a generator to maintain power during outages. Ensure it’s in good working order and you know how to operate it safely.
- Battery Backup: Have a supply of batteries for flashlights and other battery-operated devices.
9. Protect Important Documents
- Waterproof Storage: Store important documents such as insurance papers, medical records, and identification in a waterproof container.
- Digital Copies: Make digital copies of important documents and store them securely online or on a portable drive.
10. Prepare Your Car
- Fuel Up: Keep your car’s gas tank full during hurricane season in case you need to evacuate.
- Emergency Kit: Equip your car with an emergency kit including water, snacks, a first aid kit, and maps.
11. Stay Connected
- Communication Devices: Ensure you have fully charged cell phones, and consider investing in a portable charger.
- Contact List: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, hospitals, and family members.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you and your family are prepared for hurricane season in Sarasota. Stay safe and stay informed out there!
