Living in Sarasota means enjoying sunshine, sandy beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle year-round. But along with paradise comes the responsibility of preparing for hurricane season. Between June 1st and November 30th, homeowners across Florida must be ready for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes. Proper preparation not only protects your property but also gives you peace of mind when storms head our way.
Here are the key steps every Sarasota homeowner should take to prepare for hurricane season.
1. Know Your Evacuation Zone
Sarasota County has designated evacuation zones based on flood risk and storm surge. Before a storm hits, check your zone and have a plan for where you and your family would go if an evacuation order were issued. You can find your zone on the Sarasota County Emergency Services website.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute! Hotels fill up quickly, and roads get congested fast.
2. Secure Your Home
Protecting your property is one of the best investments you can make.
- Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows to prevent flying debris from shattering glass.
- Reinforce garage doors, a common weak point during strong winds.
- Trim trees and landscaping to reduce the risk of branches damaging your home.
- Bring in outdoor furniture and secure anything that could become airborne.
3. Stock Your Emergency Kit
A hurricane can cause power outages that last days, or even weeks. Every Sarasota home should have a stocked emergency kit including:
- Bottled water (at least one gallon per person and pet, per day)
- Non-perishable food and snacks
- Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries
- Prescription medications (at least a two-week supply, plus copies of prescriptions in case refills are needed)
- First-aid supplies
- Portable phone chargers or backup batteries
- Important documents stored in waterproof containers
Resource: See the Florida Disaster Supply Kit Checklist for a complete list.
4. Don’t Forget About Pets
Pets are family too, and they need to be part of your hurricane plan.
- Pack a pet kit with plenty of food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and comfort items like blankets or toys.
- Ensure you have extra prescription medications for pets. Refill them in advance since veterinary offices may close during a storm.
- Confirm pet-friendly shelters or hotels in advance. Many in Sarasota County have restrictions, so planning ahead is key.
- Update ID tags and microchip information in case your pet gets lost during the storm.
Tip: Keep recent photos of your pets on hand to help identify them if you’re separated.
Resource: Disaster Planning for Animals (Domestic and Rural) | Sarasota County, FL
Sarasota Pharmacy Tip
During declared emergencies, many pharmacies in Sarasota and across Florida allow early refills of prescription medications. If a storm is approaching, contact your pharmacy right away to request a refill, even if it’s not your usual time. This applies to both human and pet prescriptions, so you won’t be caught short if roads close or offices shut down.
Resource: Learn more about Florida’s Emergency Prescription Refill law.
5. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Many Sarasota homeowners don’t realize that flood damage is not covered under standard homeowners insurance. Be sure to review your policies before hurricane season begins. Consider adding flood insurance if you’re in a high-risk area, and document your home’s contents with photos or video for easy claims later.
Resource: Visit FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program for details.
6. Make a Family Communication Plan
During a storm, cell service may be unreliable. Establish a plan with family members on how to get in touch and where to meet if separated. Share emergency contacts and keep them in writing, not just stored in your phone.
Resource: Use the Ready.gov Family Emergency Communication Plan to get started.
7. Prepare Your Waterfront or Vacation Home
If you own a second home in Sarasota or along the Gulf Coast, make arrangements for someone local to check on the property before and after a storm. Consider installing smart home technology to monitor conditions remotely.
8. Stay Informed
Reliable updates are crucial during a hurricane. Stay connected with:
- National Hurricane Center for storm tracking
- Sarasota County Emergency Services for local alerts
- NOAA weather radios and trusted weather apps for real-time updates
Final Thoughts: Strength in Community
Hurricane season is a reality of life on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home, your loved ones, and your pets. And while storms can be challenging, one of Sarasota’s greatest strengths is our sense of community. Neighbors check on neighbors, local businesses step up to help, and volunteers rally to provide support where it’s needed most.
At Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes, we know how much peace of mind matters, whether you’re a year-round resident or a seasonal homeowner. With preparation and the strength of our community, we weather storms together.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, our team is here to guide you through every step, storms and all.
Resources:
Hurricane Preparedness | Sarasota County, FL
Plan & Prepare | Florida Disaster
Chapter 465 Section 0275 – 2022 Florida Statutes – The Florida Senate