SARASOTA COUNTY - After Sarasota County was heavily impacted by multiple storms in 2024, many areas of the community continue to undergo repairs or rebuilding. Sarasota County Emergency Management urges the community to take steps now to make their plans and prepare for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

The 2025 hurricane season begins June 1, and the community should stay alert through the end of the season on Nov. 30. Emergency Management officials recommend updating emergency plans, ensuring contact information is current, checking insurance coverage, considering flood insurance and refreshing disaster supply kits. Officials also encourage checking in on neighbors, especially those new to the area.

"We know many in our community are recovering from the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. We don’t know yet what this season will bring, so now is the time to take the steps you need to prepare your loved ones and property,” said Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins. “Understand the risks you may face, like storm surge and strong winds and know your evacuation level. Stay vigilant throughout the season and stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts."

"We saw last year how vital preparedness is, especially when every storm is different,” Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi added. “Do not wait to gather your disaster supply kit items or make your plans. The decisions you make should not be based on the last storm you experienced. Ensure your loved ones know what to do and stay informed throughout hurricane season. If you live in an evacuation level, talk to a family member or friend living further inland about staying with them if your area is under an evacuation notice."

Storm impacts can happen outside of the forecast cone. Sarasota County saw this occur with storm surge and flooding from Hurricanes Debby and Helene, even though the area was well outside of the forecast cone for both events. It is critical to evacuate when instructed and follow updates from the Emergency Operations Center.

How residents can prepare:  

• Know Your Risk and Your Home: Evacuation plans are crucial and should include knowing when to evacuate. Even if water can't be seen from your home, storm surge can travel for miles inland in Sarasota County. Be prepared for power outages or flooding.
  
  Manufactured homes, RVs, vessels and homes that cannot withstand strong winds or heavy rains are not safe during a hurricane and are all included in evacuation level A. Check your evacuation level online at scgov.net/beprepared.
  
  Purchase flood insurance. Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies may not cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at floodsmart.gov.

• Be Prepared: Create an evacuation plan, a communications plan and a disaster supply kit that fits the specific needs of the household, including pets, for at least 10 days. Resources and support may not be available within the first week of a storm.
  
  Residents with qualifying medical needs are encouraged to apply for registration as a medically-dependent person (MDP). It is important to apply in advance for this program so, if qualified, you will be on the county’s registry for transportation and sheltering at a medically-dependent evacuation center during a disaster: Medically Dependent online application. Online applications will close 48 hours prior to expected storm impact.
  
  Keep vehicle gas tanks or batteries at least half full during hurricane season to avoid gas shortages and long lines before a storm. Electric vehicles should be moved out of garages and away from homes before a storm.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for Alert Sarasota County or the Sarasota County emergency newsletter to stay informed in the event of an emergency on scgov.net. Monitor local media and Sarasota County social media accounts for important preparedness information. Follow directions of local officials.
  
  For information about how to prepare for hurricane season and available resources such as the disaster preparedness guide, visit scgov.net/beprepared.

Sarasota County is also making preparations for hurricane season:

• Completed a Hurricane Season After-Action Review that identified 22 successes, 22 observations resulting in 62 areas for review and enhancement. Examples include:
  • Initiating a multi-phased effort to increase the county’s resilience to flooding and storm events.
  • Implementing a multi-faceted plan to increase support of debris management planning and management.
• Enhancing disaster response equipment and the damage assessment process, along with a focus on expediting hurricane-related building permits.  
• Upgrading the Parks Internal Operations facility, access roads and security at Twin Lakes Park, which serves as a centralized temporary staging area for emergency response following storm events, ensuring timely emergency assistance.