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Hurricane Season

Hurricane Season 2025: Sarasota County Urges Residents to Prepare Now Before the Storms

| Suncoast Post Staff |

With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning on June 1, Sarasota County Emergency Management is urging all residents to act now to safeguard themselves, their families, and their homes. Following a difficult 2024 storm season that included Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, officials say preparation is more important than ever.

“Many in our community are still recovering,” said Rich Collins, Sarasota County Emergency Services Director. “We can’t predict what this season will bring, but we can prepare. That means updating emergency plans, checking insurance coverage, and knowing your evacuation level.”

The hurricane season runs through November 30, and early preparation is key. Sarasota County recommends residents take the following steps:

 How to Prepare for Hurricane Season:

1. Know Your Risk and Evacuation Level
Storm surge can impact areas far from the coast. Even if you don’t see water near your home, you may still be in an evacuation zone. Find your evacuation level at scgov.net/beprepared.
Manufactured homes, RVs, boats, and homes not built to withstand high winds are all in Evacuation Level A and are not safe during hurricanes.

2. Review Insurance Coverage
Standard homeowner and renter policies typically don’t cover flood damage. Visit floodsmart.gov to learn more and consider purchasing separate flood insurance.

3. Build a Disaster Supply Kit
Include enough food, water, medications, pet supplies, and essentials to last at least 10 days. Emergency resources may not be immediately available after a storm.

4. Register for Medical Needs Assistance
Residents with qualifying medical conditions can apply online for Sarasota County’s Medically Dependent Person (MDP) program, which provides shelter and transport assistance. Apply at scgov.net before a storm is forecast—registration closes 48 hours before impact.

5. Keep Vehicles Ready
Gas tanks should be at least half full. For electric vehicles, charge fully and park away from garages before a storm hits.

6. Stay Connected
Sign up for Alert Sarasota County and the Sarasota County emergency newsletter at scgov.net. Follow local media and the county’s social media accounts for real-time updates.

“We can’t rely on the past to predict future storm behavior,” added Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi. “Storms like Debby and Helene proved that impacts can occur well outside the forecast cone. Always take evacuation orders seriously.”

 County-Wide Improvements Ahead of Hurricane Season

Sarasota County has also taken significant steps to improve emergency response, including:

  • Reviewing 2024 storm response and identifying over 60 improvement areas.
  • Enhancing flood resilience projects and debris management protocols.
  • Upgrading emergency response equipment and damage assessment tools.
  • Improving access and operations at Twin Lakes Park, a key emergency staging area.

For more information and resources, including the downloadable disaster preparedness guide, visit scgov.net/beprepared.

Don’t wait for the next storm to prepare—take action today.

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