Hurricane season is almost upon us – take time now to get prepared. Make sure you know your evacuation level, develop an evacuation plan, have a well-stocked emergency kit, strengthen your home and stay informed.
First and foremost, know your evacuation level to find out if you live in an area that could be affected by storm surge flooding or if you’re in a home that could be unsafe during a hurricane. Sarasota County residents can find their evacuation level on the Emergency Services page at scgov.net.
Once you know your evacuation level, make an evacuation plan. Decide where you will go and how you will get there if you are directed to evacuate. Locate the best place for you and your family and don’t forget about your pets. All evacuation centers (or shelters) in Sarasota County are pet friendly. If you evacuate you should bring your emergency kit as well as any snacks or specific foods for special dietary needs.
A well-stocked emergency kit should have enough supplies to get you through the storm and for a potential lengthy recovery period. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine for each person in your family to last for at least one week. Radios, batteries, and cell phone chargers are must haves as well. Don’t forget to gas up your car and have cash on hand too!
If you decide to stay in your home and ride out the storm, or if you evacuate take action early to ensure that your home will be safe. Trim the trees on your property, bring any patio furniture or loose lawn items indoors, and secure doors and windows with hurricane shutters, metal panels or plywood. If you’re staying find a safe location to park your vehicle.
Communication is key before, during and after a storm. Sarasota County utilizes the CodeRED notification system for emergency notices. It is a high-speed telephone notification system that allows them to send critical information to specific locations or all areas of the County depending on the situation. Residents, business and property owners in Sarasota County are urged to register so that you can receive CodeRED calls and alerts for emergency events.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Stores often sell out of supplies and evacuation centers fill up. Make an emergency plan and follow it. Once you are prepared, help your neighbor get ready too. For more information on storm preparedness and to register for CodeRED visit scgov.net or call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000. Be prepared and stay safe this storm season!
Here are the library events for this week:
Saturday
- Stop in and check out a good book or movie for the weekend!
Monday
- All Sarasota County Libraries are closed today to observe Memorial Day.
Tuesday
- Master Gardener Plant Clinic 10 a.m. – Noon. Stop in to get free answers to your Florida gardening and landscape questions. This is made possible through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. For more information, call 941-861-9807 or online at sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/hort/plantclinic.shtml.
- Sarasota County Mosquito Management Presentation at 10:30 a.m. Mosquito Management staff will be on hand to discuss mosquito related problems and how to avoid them around your home. They will also share tips on how to avoid getting bit! Attendees will receive free insect repellent.
Wednesday
- Visit the library to pick up a copy of the Summer at Your Library program guide!
Thursday
- No Story Time Today – we’re taking a short break as we prepare for our summer programs! Stay tuned!
- Quirky Knitters meet at 1 p.m.
Friday
- Grupo de Estudio Espanol (Spanish Study Group) meets at 10 a.m.
- Englewood Area MacIntosh Users Group meets at 1 p.m.
- Teen Volunteer Orientation at 2 p.m. For ages 14-18 or grades 9-12. Teens interested in volunteering at Elsie Quirk Library during the summer or throughout the school year need to attend this orientation. Volunteering at the library is a great way to earn volunteer hours that count towards the Bright Futures Scholarship program requirements. Registration is required. Contact Deirdre Morrow, Young Adult Librarian for more information at 941-861-1212.
For more information on library programs, services, and resources visit us at 100 West Dearborn Street, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000, or visit our website at scgov.net.
