2021 Hurricane Preparation Guide

Page 10 Times are changing, but preparation still is key M uch has changed over the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic; but as we enter another hurricane season, one thing has not – now is the time to prepare for a storm. This and every year, Sarasota County Emergency Management encourages everyone to plan and be storm-ready well before a system is approaching. We do not know what the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season will be like but being prepared is key. If you're not sure what you need to do to get ready for hurricane season, visit the hurricane preparedness page on Sarasota County's website, scgov.net. There, you can find information on preparations for your family, home, neighbor- hood and business, public service announcement videos and a digital version of the Disaster Planning Guide. Remember to utilize any precautions or changes you made to your preparedness plans last year due to COVID-19. Have a supply of masks, sanitizer and an evacuation plan that makes evacuation centers a last resort. Emergency Management coordinates with the Sarasota County School District for the opening of hurricane evacua- tion centers. These evacuation centers will be located within schools and will be announced through the media, county website, county social media platforms and via text alerts. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com. Sarasota County continues, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to use COVID-19 procedures implemented last year. This includes social distanc- ing guidelines, increased disinfecting and cleaning procedures, use of additional personal protective equipment for evacuation center staff, and procedures for a health screening as evacu- ees arrive. Vaccination for COVID-19 is a personal decision. However, being fully vaccinated provides an additional layer of protection for evacuees who seek shelter in hurricane evacuation centers. Take steps to protect those you love and your home. Know what evacuation level your home is in and where you will go should you need to leave in the event of a storm. Sarasota County evacuation centers should be a final resort. Plan to stay with family or friends who live outside the evacua- tion level. Homeowners should evaluate their own home's safety even if outside of evacuation levels/areas. Residents may be able to shelter at home if it was built after 2002, is outside of the evacuation level being evacuated and has appropriate window and door coverings. Should you need to leave your home and cannot stay with family or friends, a hurricane evacuation center can be a safe place, but again, should be considered a final resort. Being prepared also means having a well-stocked emer- gency supply kit before the start of hurricane season. Ensure you are prepared for a potential extended loss of power and include any supplies you need for at least seven days. Once you have all of the basic supplies such as water and non-perishable food, you should also consider medications ED MCCRANE Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Michael J. Looney, Inc. Electrical Contractor 24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE • Generator Sales Installation & Repairs • Lightning & Surge Protection • Fire Alarm • Security & Monitoring • Landscape Lighting & Audio • Flat Screen TV Installation RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES 941-474-3104 150 N. Indiana Ave. Since 1988 Lic# EC0001536 State Certifi ed www.michaeljlooney.com Serving Sarasota & Charlotte County for 33 years. ENGLEWOOD ENGLEWOOD 2006-2020 #1 Electrician adno=3794359-1 and any unique needs your family might have. Do you need supplies for infants, pets or seniors? It is still important to continue to include disinfectant, sani- tizer and masks in emergency supply kits, especially for those whose plans for evacuation could include an evacuation center. Evacuees are expected to bring all their disaster supplies, including bedding and comfort items. Pets are allowed at all evacuation centers but must be current on all vaccinations. Owners are responsible for bringing the appropriate crate, leash and supplies. Gather important paperwork and emergency contacts and keep them in a safe place or have electronic copies. For those who are medically dependent or are not com- fortable driving to an evacuation center, information on the Transportation Dependent Plan and applying to the Medical Needs Program is available on scgov.net or by calling the Contact Center at 941-861-5000. Sarasota County Emergency Management will keep resi- dents informed as storms approach through emergency alerts, social media, our website and by partnering with local media. Once the skies have cleared and the storm has passed, residents can count on us for help. However, residents need to be prepared and self-sufficient until we can respond. Being prepared is the best way to ensure your family is ready for any disaster.

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