This guide is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date safety information, every hurricane is different, and local conditions vary. You should always follow the instructions of local emergency management officials and evacuation orders. We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from reliance on this information. In an emergency, call 911.
Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30. Living in Sarasota means understanding that hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Storm surge, high winds, and flooding can reach well inland, traveling up rivers and canals.
The most dangerous element of hurricanes is storm surge, historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Recent storms have shown how quickly surge, wind, and rain can reshape conditions across Sarasota County.
This guide will help you prepare before a storm threatens, stay safe during the event, and recover after it passes.
Part 1: Before Hurricane Season
Step 1: Know Your Risk
Hurricanes are not just a beachfront problem. Storm surge can travel up rivers and canals, reaching well inland. You also need to prepare for high winds, flying debris, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, tornadoes spawned by hurricanes, and extended power outages.
- Learn about storm surge risk in your area before the season starts
- Understand that surge risk can extend beyond obvious waterfront property
- Look for local storm surge markers when visiting beaches and barrier islands
- Prepare for wind and rain impacts even if you are not in a coastal evacuation zone
Step 2: Know Your Evacuation Zone
If you live in an evacuation zone, you may have to leave quickly when a storm approaches. Know your level, route, and destination before hurricane season starts.
- Find your evacuation level using Sarasota County's address tools
- Know your evacuation routes and practice them with your family and pets
- Identify where you will stay, whether with family, at a hotel, or at a public shelter
- Follow local emergency management officials because they provide the most current recommendations for your community
Step 3: Make a Plan
Ensure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Include your workplace, children's daycare, pets, and anywhere else you frequently go.
- Create a family communication plan with an out-of-area contact person
- Choose a meeting location if you get separated
- Plan for pets, because not all shelters accept animals
- Make arrangements for family members with disabilities or medical needs
Step 4: Gather Supplies
You may need to survive on your own for days or even weeks after a storm. Gather supplies now. Do not wait until a storm is approaching.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, ideally a NOAA Weather Radio
- First aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and medications
- Flashlights and extra batteries; never use candles during a storm
- Non-perishable food, manual can opener, and ready-to-eat meals
- Water: at least one gallon per person per day for a three-day minimum
- Important documents in a waterproof bag, including IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and birth certificates
- Prescription medications, personal hygiene items, baby supplies, pet supplies, cash, local paper maps, chargers, and extra keys
Step 5: Secure Your Home
Take these steps before hurricane season begins, while supplies, contractors, and your own time are still available.
- Install hurricane shutters or cover windows with properly fitted plywood
- Close and secure all windows and doors, including garage doors
- Inspect your roof for loose shingles or tiles
- Clean gutters and downspouts so water can flow freely
- Reinforce garage doors with hurricane braces if they are not wind-resistant
- Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, grills, garbage cans, and anything else that could become a projectile
- Consider sandbags and elevate appliances or electrical systems if you live in a flood-prone area
Step 6: Get Alerts and Stay Informed
Technology is your ally in staying ahead of a hurricane, but you should have more than one way to receive emergency information.
- Download the FEMA app or another trusted emergency-alert app
- Sign up for local alerts through Alert Sarasota County
- Understand the difference between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning
- Keep a NOAA Weather Radio as a backup if cell service fails
Step 7: Prepare Your Car
If you need to evacuate, your vehicle is essential. Do not wait until evacuation orders are issued to prepare it.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full during hurricane season
- Check tires, brakes, oil, and windshield wipers
- Pack a car emergency kit with first aid supplies, blankets, flashlight, jumper cables, snacks, water, and a phone charger
- Use FL511 for real-time traffic, road closures, and evacuation-route updates
Helpful planning tools include Sarasota County's address finder, the Florida pet disaster plan, the Red Cross hurricane supply list, and FL511 for evacuation-route and road-condition updates.
Part 2: When a Storm Is Approaching
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Stay alert and review your plan.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your preparations and be ready to evacuate.
Charge all electronic devices and backup power banks, bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside, fill your car's gas tank, notify family members of your plans, and follow evacuation orders immediately if you are in a mandatory evacuation zone.
If you are staying home and you are not in an evacuation zone, go to a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level that will not flood. Stay away from windows and glass doors. Do not go outside during the hurricane, even if it seems calm.
If you need a shelter, use the Red Cross Shelter Locator, Sarasota County's evacuation centers list, or call the State Assistance Information Line at (800) 342-3557.
Part 3: During the Hurricane
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don't Drown.
- Stay informed by listening to your NOAA Weather Radio or local news.
- If trapped by flooding, go to the highest level of the building, but do not climb into a closed attic.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- Use flashlights, never candles, for lighting.
- If you are in an evacuation zone, you should have already left before storm surge arrives.
Part 4: After the Hurricane
Do not return home until local officials say it is safe. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family because phone systems are often overloaded.
Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by a professional. Watch for downed power lines, assume they are live, and stay far away. Do not wade in floodwater because it may contain dangerous pathogens, debris, chemicals, waste, wildlife, or energized power lines.
Take photographs of all property damage before cleaning up, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, and save receipts for repairs or temporary housing. If federal disaster assistance is available, use FEMA's Florida disaster recovery locator.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask when cleaning up debris or mold. People with asthma, lung disease, or weakened immune systems should not enter buildings with water damage or mold growth. Children should not help with disaster cleanup, and no one should clean up alone.
Sarasota County Local Resources
Emergency, life-threatening: 911
State Assistance Information Line: (800) 342-3557
FEMA Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-3362
Quick Reference: Hurricane Supply Checklist
Remember: The best time to prepare is before hurricane season begins. Do not wait for a storm to be in the Gulf to start gathering supplies or making a plan.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.
Primary official resources used for this guide include Sarasota County Emergency Management, Florida Division of Emergency Management, Ready.gov, the National Hurricane Center, the American Red Cross, FEMA, and FL511.