Hurricane Preparation
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1499240
24 • HURRICANE PREPARATION GUIDE • 2023 Just over eight months ago, Hurricane Ian impacted the entire southwest coast of Florida. Sarasota County was not spared, as many of our residents, espe- cially in the southern parts of the county, felt the impact of winds above 100 mph and flood- ing equal to a 1,000-year event. To date, more than 3.3 million cubic yards of debris has been collected, damages are more than $200 million, and many are still repairing their homes. Recovery con- tinues. However many of our citizens' lives have been changed forever from Ian. It is hard to believe, but it could have been much worse as we look toward Lee County and see the re- sults of extensive and catastrophic storm surge. If Ian's storm track shifted just 20-miles, the Sarasota County coast would have been impacted by catastrophic storm surge. Ian underscores the danger of storm surge and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for hurricane season. Act now. Preparedness is key. Planning isn't just essential. It's a life-saving measure that you need to take for you and your family. Sarasota County's website, scgov.net, offers extensive infor- mation on what you need to do to get ready for hurricane season. Visit our hurricane preparedness page where you can find infor- mation on preparations for your family, home, neighborhood and business, public service announce- ment videos and a digital version of the Disaster Planning Guide. Storm surge can extend well inshore and what evacuation level your home is in, and where you will go should you need to leave in the event of a storm, prepares you to take action when needed. If possible, stay with family or friends who live outside the evacu- ation level. Announcing evacuations is a safety measure that the county takes very seriously, and it means there is a real threat to that area. Don't wait. Enact your evacuation plan and leave. Waiting until the storm conditions deteriorate may prevent you from leaving. Also, after winds reach 45 mph, first responders will not be able to get to you. Sarasota County coordinates with the Sarasota County School District to open and operate hurricane evacuation centers. These evacuation centers will be located within schools and will be announced through the media, county website, county social me- dia platforms and via text alerts. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSarasotaCounty.com. Evacuation centers are a refuge of last resort. Staying with family or friends away from the evacu- ation area in a properly prepared and sheltered home is a much better option. Knowing if your home is a safe place to shelter is an action you can take now. Is your home outside of evacuation levels/areas? Was your home built after 2002? Do you have appropriate window and door coverings? If so you may be able to shelter at home. If you are not sure and want to find out more about the safety of your home, visit our hurricane preparedness page for more infor- mation. Taking action now also means having a well-stocked emergency supply kit before the start of hur- ricane season. Ensure you are pre- pared for a potential extended loss of power and include any supplies you need for at least seven days. Once you make sure you have all the basic supplies, such as water and non-perishable food, you should also consider medications, and any unique needs your family might have. Gather important paperwork and emergency contacts and keep them in a safe place or have elec- tronic copies. Do you need sup- plies for infants, pets or seniors? If your plan requires going to an evacuation center, plan to bring your disaster supplies, includ- ing bedding and comfort items. Pets are allowed at all evacuation centers but must be current on all vaccinations. Owners are respon- sible for bringing the appropriate crate, leash and supplies. For those who are medically dependent or are not comfortable driving to an evacuation center, information on the Transporta- tion Dependent Plan and applying to the Medical Needs Program is available on scgov.net or by calling 311. Being prepared to take action during hurricane season also means maintaining awareness of tropical weather as it develops. Sarasota County, through Emer- gency Management and all part- ners, including our municipalities, will keep residents informed as storms approach through emer- gency alerts, social media, our website and by partnering with local radio and television media. After a storm leaves our area, teams of county workers from utilities, public works, fire, EMS, law enforcement and many others will be assessing damage, respond- ing to calls and taking action to help our community. Listen to media outlets for information on safety messages. It may not be safe to travel or may require a higher level of attention to damage when traveling through the community. If it's not safe to leave, stay at home and let those teams clear the roads. Keep listening for informa- tion on recovery and neighbor- hood points of distribution for supplies if needed. Hopefully, this hurricane season will not be as busy as last year. While that would be great, I also know, that if a hurricane is head- ing for our coast and area, we will take action to prepare and respond in support of our community. You can help by taking action now to prepare you and your family for hurricane season. Being prepared is the best way to ensure your family is ready for any disas- ter, so when we take action you can, too. Rich Collins is emergency services director for Sarasota County. By Rich Collins SUN PHOTO BY SCOTT LAWSON Debris ended up on many roads in Venice after Hurricane Ian struck the area. HURRICANE SEASON taking action