The longest and hardest part of dealing with a tropical storm or hurricane is the recovery. It may take several days for relief supplies and other aid to arrive. Listen to local media for re-entry information. Some damage may not be readily apparent, so keep these things in mind for your safety.

County Safety Status: Red, Yellow and Green conditions

Hurricanes and other natural disasters can create widespread damage, leaving debris, downed trees, flooding, live power lines on the ground and damaged buildings.

Immediately following such disaster, many departments (including law enforcement, fire and emergency management) respond to assess damage and help citizens. Communicating the level of damage and potential danger is imperative as citizens’ safety is our number one concern. Sarasota County utilizes a color-coded system (RED, YELLOW, GREEN) to indicate the level of damage, hazards and impact to services.

These colors will be used in Sarasota County’s emergency public communications to represent the safety status of the county. Heavily impacted areas where damage is extensive and services are limited will require the RED status.

Impacts to power, traffic lights, and downed trees may require larger areas of YELLOW; meaning take caution, be vigilant and careful when out on the roads. Finally, as power is restored, roads cleared, and traffic lights become operable, citizens will see the GREEN.

RED - Level of Danger: Unsafe. Emergency services may not be available. Extensive damage limiting travel. Citizen Action: Access may not be allowed, or limited, according to authorities having jurisdiction. If access is allowed, proper ID is required. Enter at your own risk.

YELLOW - Level of Danger: Limiting factors to include lack of power, trees and power lines down in areas. Traffic lights may be out. Potential damage to utilities such as water systems and wastewater. Citizen Action: Safety precautions required. General travel limited to essential needs.

GREEN - Level of Danger: No limiting factors. 

POWER OUTAGES

• Avoid flooded and debris-laden areas that may be hiding downed lines.
• Assume all cables and wires are energized. Report downed wires to your utility company.
• Turn appliances that may have been on when the power went out to the off position, and turn off the main breaker until you are sure the system is safe.
• If you suspect there is water in the walls or ceiling, stay away from electrical outlets and contact a licensed electrician.
• Don’t trim trees or remove debris located near downed power lines.

WILDLIFE AND INSECTS

• Fire ants, bees, wasps, snakes, rodents and wild animals will seek refuge from flood waters. Check for any breaches in structures that may allow them entry.
• Storms and floods often leave behind standing water that creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services and the State of Florida will conduct surveillance to determine the extent of mosquito treatment needed after a major weather event.

FOOD SAFETY

• Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container that has come into contact with flood water.
• Discard any food in damaged cans.
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. Discard all refrigerated perishable foods after four hours without power.
• A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).
• Dispose of food in small plastic garbage bags; tie or seal and place in a larger bag or can outdoors.

HEAT EMERGENCIES

After a storm, loss of air conditioning and/or storm debris cleanup can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. To prevent heat emergencies:

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
• Rest frequently and seek shade when possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Be especially careful if you are taking prescriptions that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly. If you or someone you know is experiencing a heat emergency:
• Remove the victim from the heat and have them lie down.
• Apply cool compresses, elevate the feet, give fluids and use a fan to blow cool air.
• Call 911.

WATER PRECAUTIONS

• Treat all water (including well water) as unsafe until you are notified that it is safe.
• Disinfect tap water you use for anything, including for your pets. Boil it for at least 10 minutes, or use chemicals (two drops of chlorine bleach per quart of water). Let the water sit at least 30 minutes before drinking.
• If you wash dishes in tap water, rinse in extra-chlorinated water.
• Wastewater lift stations may be without power. This will affect toilets and sink drainage. Avoid running dishwashers and clothes washers, and limit the amount of water used for showering, until lift stations are fully operational.
• If your well has been flooded, call the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County at 941-861-6133 for information on bacteriological testing.

CHAINSAWS

• Avoid downed or dangling power lines when clearing fallen trees.
• Call professionals to remove large, uprooted trees or trees in danger of falling over.
• Use proper safety equipment (heavy gloves, safety goggles, heavy boots, long-sleeve shirts and long pants).
• Tie back long hair to maintain full visibility and prevent entanglement.