Hurricane Preparedness Resources
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- 941-861-5000
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Mailing Address
2200 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota FL 34236
DOH-Sarasota is involved in county-wide disaster planning, and many DOH-Sarasota professionals act as first-responders during disaster events like hurricanes. DOH Sarasota offers the following tips and resources to help you prepare for what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
Before the Storm - Be Prepared
Creating a disaster plan and supply kit are the most important steps you can take to prepare for a hurricane.
- Hurricane Family Preparation Guide | Spanish Version (PDFs)
- Make a disaster plan
- Build a disaster supply kit
- Family Communication Plan - FEMA
During a storm: stay tuned and follow instructions
If the area you live is affected by a tropical storm or hurricane, local authorities including Sarasota County Emergency Management and DOH-Sarasota will monitor the situation and give instructions. Stay tuned to local TV, radio, and other media to get the latest information.
Follow evacuation any orders and do not enter flooded areas.
Most serious injuries and fatalities in storm situations occur to people who ignore evacuation orders or who venture into flooded areas. Sarasota County operates several emergency shelters, including ones that accommodate pets and people with disabilities or other special needs.
Stay healthy.
Remember to stay hydrated and take your medications.
After the Storm: Remain cautious
The aftermath of a storm can pose lingering dangers to health and safety. Use caution around damaged buildings, downed power lines, and other debris. Storms can causing lasting power outages that may increase risks to your health and safety.
The following guide will help you reduce your risk of illness and injury from food, drinking water, flood water, heat, fire, carbon monoxide, pests, and more.
- "After the Storm" - Florida Department of Health
Also available in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Russian and Ukrainian
Preventing risks after the storm
- Hurricane Information Fact Sheets - Florida Department of Health
Browse this list for many important health and safety topics in multiple languages, including:- Personal Injury
- Heat Exhaustion
- Flood Waters
- Boil Water Notices
- Mold
- Mosquito-borne illnesses
- and more
Additional Resources
- Hurricane Preparedness from a Health Perspective - Health IQ with Heidi Godman show, WSRQ Sarasota Talk Radio, June 20, 2013
- NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration - includes storm trackers)
- FloridaDisaster.org
- FEMA - web tools for individuals & organizations
- Ready.gov | Spanish version of Ready.gov
- Get Text Alerts Text 44362 (4FEMA)
Connect with DOH