The Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map is something every Sarasota area resident should know about. The map is a proactive step against natural disasters, allowing residents to prepare properly in the event of an evacuation. The evacuation map is a detailed navigational tool that provides vital information about evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and evacuation zones. It ensures everyone who has to evacuate can indeed evacuate prior to a hurricane hitting.
Long-time Sarasota County residents are usually familiar with evacuation routes, having lived in Florida for years during multiple hurricane seasons. However, sometimes the evacuation routes are altered so it should be reviewed every season. New residents and visitors should become familiar with the Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map, especially between June 1 and November 30 (the Florida hurricane season).
Read on for critical features of the Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map, how to utilize evacuation routes and shelters, and overall preparedness for potential hurricane evacuation. Stay safe, stay prepared, and stay informed well before the storm hits!
Defining Evacuation Zones and Understanding How Zones Are Determined
Determining who needs to evacuate for a hurricane involves local authorities analyzing hurricane data to make an educated guess of a hurricane’s predicted path. Intensity, speed, geographical location and angle, tides, and potential storm surges are considered. All of these factors help experts identify the risks of damage and flooding. Local officials from Sarasota County use data from Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes to designate evacuation zones and then issue evacuation orders accordingly.
You can find your evacuation zone by entering your home (or work) address into Florida’s “Know Your Zone” online map to find your evacuation zone on the Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map. Sometimes, a home or business will fall between evacuation zones. You should evacuate in both instances if either zone is being called. Zones are labeled with colors and numbers or letters, making it easier to know which zone your home or work falls under. You can also use the Sarasota County “Know Your Evacuation Level” tool and enter your address.
Below you can see an example of the “Know Your Zone” map. The location you enter will show on the map as a house icon. Your evacuation zone will show on the left side as a letter, with A being the first zone to evacuate, B being the second, and so forth.
Effectively Using the Sarasota County Hurricane Evacuation Map
The Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map (opens a PDF) uses color coding and lettered or numbered labels to designate evacuation zones. The zones are labelled on the map so you can tell which one your residence is in. This helps residents understand where to evacuate based on their address and the predicted path of an approaching hurricane.
To use the evacuation map effectively, locate your home and workplace in one of the zones. Identify the zone color, then analyze your risk level. If you are in a designated evacuation area, familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and identify emergency shelters on the outskirts of the zones. The evacuation routes are highlighted on the map. Find the evacuation route closest to your location. Also, make sure you understand alternative evacuation routes in case one is blocked or bumper to bumper traffic.
Stay informed with emergency updates via phone, text, or email from Alert Sarasota County, and monitor local media for weather forecasts. Following the City of Sarasota social media page, you can receive real-time information during a hurricane. You can also sign up for the county’s rapid, emergency communication alert system, Alert Sarasota.
Evacuation Routes and Emergency Shelters
Sarasota County encourages residents to find somewhere outside of evacuation zones. This could be at a friend or loved one’s home out of the area, to stay. However, emergency shelters are an option for those without friends or loved ones in non-evacuation zones.
Emergency shelters are located throughout Sarasota County. They are commonly located in public schools or community centers with abundant capacity for hundreds, maybe thousands, of people.
In Sarasota County, all shelters are listed as “pet-friendly evacuation centers” for domestic dogs and cats. Still, there are rules and regulations. There are also designated shelters for those requiring medical care or disabled persons. So make sure you plan and register for these if necessary prior to hurricane season.
Shelters are determined on a zone basis, depending on the predicted path of an impending hurricane. While many shelters have been used before, the Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map has been updated to include current shelter information from one hurricane season to the next.
Preparing for a Hurricane Evacuation: Crafting an Effective Plan
Here are some general tips for hurricane preparation in Sarasota County. Remember, it is never too early to plan. And planning should be done frequently and also practiced to ensure you know exactly what to do when a hurricane is approaching.
- Get familiar with your evacuation zone. Identify your location on the Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map, then plan a route to evacuate. In fact, plan multiple evacuation routes so you have options in case one or numerous routes are blocked.
- Show everyone in your household the evacuation plans, review, and practice them. Familiarize your loved ones with evacuation routes and prepare them through practice drills to effectively and quickly get everyone out of the house when the evacuation orders are given.
- Have a plan for your pets. Dogs and cats are allowed at Sarasota County shelters, provided they have a carrier or crate, food, water, and up-to-date vaccination records. However, other pets like birds, fish, and reptiles are prohibited. Ask a friend or loved one to care for your pets in a non-evacuation zone if you are ineligible to bring your pets to a shelter.
- Create emergency kits for everyone in your household. Use backpacks to store bottled water, non-perishable food, necessary medications, flashlights, batteries, hygiene supplies, and essential documents, like ID, insurance documents, and passports. Each person should have enough supplies for at least three days.
- Sign up for emergency alerts. Monitor weather updates from reliable sources, such as the City of Sarasota’s social media page and Alert Sarasota. Be attentive, remain aware, and follow instructions closely to stay safe. Be ready to evacuate if ordered.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations in Sarasota County
Assistance for Those with Older People & Those with Disabilities
Some individuals may need extra support and care during hurricane evacuations and during the hurricane (and after). If you plan on going to a shelter, make sure to register beforehand so the shelter will save space. Bring necessary medical equipment, extra medications, and any mobility aids that you need, like wheelchairs or walkers. You may find it helpful to connect with friends, family, and neighbors, building a network of reliable people to help you in case of a hurricane evacuation.
Learn more in our guide on Disability Emergency Preparedness: Inclusive Prep for Hurricanes
Evacuation Tips for Families with Young Children
Families with young children, especially newborns, should prepare an extra backpack of essentials like formula, pacifiers, extra clothing, diapers, and comfort items like a teddy bear. Practice evacuation drills with your children, focusing on preparedness to reduce fear and ensure they know how to react. Keep a simple, reassuring tone, explaining hurricanes in a child-friendly way and encouraging young ones to get involved with emergency family planning. If a child feels engaged in preparations, they are less likely to freeze, hide, or be scared in the event of a hurricane evacuation.
Ensuring Pet Safety During Evacuations
Shelters in Sarasota County are pet-friendly, providing space for owners and their dogs or cats. Ensure your animals are microchipped and have up-to-date vaccination records and ID tags. Create an emergency kit for them, including bottled water, dry food, a carrier or crate, and familiar, soothing toys to reduce stress. Practice evacuating with your pets to make the process easier if the need arises.
Learn more in our guide on Hurricane Prep for Pet Owners: Prepping our Furry Friends
Community Involvement in Planning and Preparedness
The Sarasota County hurricane evacuation map is crucial for community planning and preparedness. Local libraries and community centers often host preparedness presentations about natural disasters, educating residents and encouraging them to be well-prepared with personalized plans in case of hurricanes. Using these resources, residents can stay informed and proactively protect themselves and their loved ones.
Who is Eurex Shutters?
Eurex Shutters is one of Southwest Florida’s oldest hurricane shutter companies. We have been installing high-quality hurricane shutters and impact windows & doors since 1986. While preparation is important, protection is just as important. If you need hurricane protection please give us a call at (239) 369-8600 or submit the quick form below to get a free estimate and/or start your project.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
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