Residents in low-lying areas, barrier islands and mobile homes should seek shelter when conditions warrant. Many coastal roads could be underwater well in advance of a storm, restricting their use as evacuation routes.

If you are going to leave the area, be prepared to evacuate early and head inland to avoid the high winds and heavy rains preceding a storm.

If an evacuation is called for, and you do not evacuate, you will be without fire rescue, law enforcement or emergency medical support until winds and waters subside.

If your home was built after 2002, and you are not in an evacuation level, you may be more comfortable sheltering in place. A 2005 University of Florida study concluded that homes built under the 2002 Florida Building Code sustained less damage on average than homes built between 1994 and 2001 under the Standard Building Code. Homes built before 1994 also fared worse than those built after that year.

If you’ve determined that your home is not safe to ride out a storm

Stay with a friend or leave the area
Emergency management agencies recommend you arrange a “host home” outside the evacuation level. A host home is the home of a friend or family member who has agreed to provide temporary shelter for you and your family. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the family contact.

Move to an evacuation center
In the event of a hurricane watch, Sarasota County will open all evacuation centers at the same time. Hurricane evacuation centers are not hotels and will not be able to provide any conveniences or luxuries. You will have no privacy, limited space approximately 20 square feet per person within a family with six feet of separation between families in a public classroom or hallway, and meal service may be delayed. Evacuation centers cannot provide bedding, cots or blankets.

• Going to an evacuation center should always be considered a last resort measure. 
• Never go to an evacuation center until local officials announce it is open.
• Checking in and then leaving (for example, to get supplies) will not be permitted.
• Evacuation center information will be updated here, on the county’s website, on local radio and television stations and on the county’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.