5 Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane in Florida!

Hurricanes in Florida are a fact of life, but there are ways to be prepared for the storm!

In this video, we share 5 Tips to help you prepare for a Hurricane. We mention some resources in Sarasota and Manatee county, specifically for Lakewood Ranch, but these websites and guides can be used for all of Florida. Be sure to check with your local county government for updates and information on impending storms.

1. County Resources
Visit your local county websites for Emergency Management resources. This will include preparedness guides, evacuation zone maps, emergency shelter locations, and more. 
Manatee County: mymanatee.org
Sarasota County: scgov.net


2. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Locate your CERT Team, either on Facebook or through the county website, to get additional updates on storm warning and watches for your community. They offer classes you can take if you would like to become a part of this community team, as well. 

3. Hurricane Kit Checklist.. Build it!
It would be ideal to have a Hurricane Kit ready to go at the start of each season. If you need to get one together quickly, you can download the checklist here. 
Knowing you have the items you may need in a disaster will make you feel much more prepared.

4. Physical Prep for your Home
Remove any loose items outside or by your pool cage, put up Hurricane Shutters if necessary, make sure your house is free from any items that could become flying debris in high winds, and prepare to hunker down should you need to. Also, have a plan in case you need to evacuate or head to an emergency shelter. 

5. Building a New Construction Home? Have faith in the builder
They will do what they can to make sure your home, and all homes or homesites, are as secure as possible to prevent damage. Should anything happen, they will do what is necessary to fix it. Just worry about keeping yourself safe and let them handle the house!

It is important to be prepared!

Follow the steps in this video to make sure you are.

Here are additional helpful links:
https://manatee.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/infectious-disease-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/index.html

https://www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/build_a_disaster_kit

https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/emergency-management-4420

https://lwrcert.org/

Download your own Disaster Supply Checklist:
https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan--prepare/2022-disaster-supply-kit-checklist---final-1.pdf

Please reach out with any comments and questions. We are always here to help!