LWR CERT

Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness

This page contains some of our favorite hurricane and disaster planning websites and apps.

Click the titles below to find the resources you like best as you make preparations for your safety and the safety of your family.

If this is an emergency, call 911 if you can. Text if you can’t.

In Manatee and Sarasota counties, enter “911” in the “to” line and send a message (i.e. Help) 
Provide the exact location of the emergency. Keep the text message brief

Preparations

Quick list of items to have on hand before and after the storm, plus what to take if you evacuate

Create a Family Emergency Plan following prompts. Downloadable

Invaluable form to fill out before an emergency

Dashboard with weather, local emergency evacuation, shelter and sandbag information

Securing windows and doors, preparing your home, inventorying belongings

Hurricane Prep tips specifically geared toward older adults from the Dept. of Elder Affairs 

Tips on evacuation, emergency supplies, how to protect your property 
Post-hurricane clean up

Plan ahead for disasters with links to coronavirus, financial preparedness and Ready Kids

Register your contacts’ info with FL state. Info will be tied to  your drivers’ license and used in case of emergency

Suggested records and documents to assemble and keep safe from a disaster

Learn to make your home more hurricane resistant 

American Red Cross links for assistance and shelters. How to prepare before a hurricane prioritized by time. Links to free Emergency App

Local Resources - Manatee County

Current local weather conditions and detailed forecast, hazardous weather and radar maps

All encompassing official guide to Manatee County disaster planning 

Lists open shelters  and which are pet friendly; link to map of Manatee County emergency shelters

For Manatee County residents who need transportation or sheltering assistance during evacuation

Replaced CodeRED 11/1/2020
Sign up to receive notifications from government and public safety officials

Plan your route before leaving your driveway; have a Plan B and a Plan C

Locate the storm evacuation level of your home or business with this interactive map

Current status of Manatee County Emergency Operations Center; storm prep info

Before the storm, enter your address here to find your evacuation level, flood zone and nearest emergency shelter

After a disaster, use this American Red Cross site to let family and friends know you are safe or search for others who have registered safe

Local Resources - Sarasota County

Current local weather conditions and detailed forecast, hazardous weather and radar maps

All encompassing official guide to Sarasota County disaster planning 

Lists open shelters  and which are pet friendly; link to map of Manatee County emergency shelters

For Sarasota County residents who need transportation or sheltering assistance during evacuation

Sign up to receive notifications from government and public safety officials

Plan your route before leaving your driveway; have a Plan B and a Plan C

Locate the storm evacuation level of your home or business with this interactive map

Sandbag operations, County Safety status conditions and helpful resources

Steps to take to protect your home plus a checklist for sheltering in place

After a disaster, use this American Red Cross site to let family and friends know you are safe or search for others who have registered safe

National Weather Service Resources

Current weather and active alerts, forecast maps, radar and news

NOAA Weather Radio frequencies by state

SW Florida Edition. Phone numbers at State, County and National level; radio station frequencies

Difference between watches and warnings, what to do before, during and after a hurricane

What to do before, during and after a thunderstorm. Explains severe thunderstorm risk

What to do before, during and after a tornado. Explains difference between Tornado Watch and Tornado Warning

Pet Disaster Preparedness

Prepare a disaster kit for your pets. Lists documents, food, water, medications to have ready

How to protect your pet in event of extreme weather or a disaster. Links to find pet-friendly hotels

What to do with your pet should you need to go to an evacuation center

FEMA brochure. Prepare a pet emergency supply kit

ASPCA email list sign up required to receive, includes pet rescue window decal