Safety During a Hurricane: Protecting Yourself and Your Property

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Living in Florida, particularly in areas like Manatee, Sarasota, and Bradenton, means being prepared for the threat of hurricanes. These powerful storms can cause widespread damage, and knowing how to protect yourself, your family, and your property is essential for weathering the storm safely. Every hurricane season, Floridians must brace themselves for the possibility of a major storm making landfall, but with the right precautions and planning, you can stay safe and minimize damage.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to Florida, understanding hurricane safety measures is crucial. With the unpredictability of these storms, it’s important to be proactive and prepared for anything the season might bring.

Preparing for the Storm

The best way to stay safe during a hurricane is to be prepared well in advance. As soon as hurricane season starts (June 1 through November 30), residents in areas like Sarasota, Manatee, and Bradenton should have a plan in place and stay updated on weather alerts. Here’s a breakdown of essential preparations:

Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference in the event of a hurricane. Ensure your kit includes essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water (enough for at least three days), flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. For residents in Manatee or Bradenton, where power outages may last for days, having a portable phone charger and extra batteries for radios can be lifesaving. Also, make sure to have important documents—such as insurance policies and identification—stored in waterproof containers.
Stay Informed
In areas like Sarasota, where hurricanes are a regular part of life, staying informed about the latest weather updates is crucial. Sign up for local weather alerts, download reliable weather apps, and listen to the National Weather Service (NWS) or NOAA for real-time information. When a hurricane warning is issued, follow instructions from local authorities regarding evacuations or sheltering in place. Make sure you know the evacuation routes from your area, whether you’re in Manatee, Bradenton, or Sarasota.
Secure Your Home
Protecting your property before the hurricane strikes is vital to minimizing damage. If you live in hurricane-prone areas like Bradenton or Sarasota, install storm shutters or board up your windows with plywood to prevent glass from shattering. It’s also important to secure outdoor furniture, garbage bins, and any other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. For homeowners in Manatee County, trimming trees and ensuring that no branches are hanging near power lines can help prevent outages or damage to your home.
Plan for Evacuation
If you live in a low-lying or coastal area like Sarasota, where storm surge and flooding are more likely, be prepared to evacuate when authorities advise. Know where the nearest shelters are located, and have a plan in place for pets as many shelters may not allow animals. For those in Bradenton or Manatee, evacuating early is the best way to avoid traffic or road closures during the storm. Always prioritize safety over possessions, and remember to have your emergency kit with you.

Staying Safe During the Hurricane

Once the hurricane arrives, keeping yourself and your family safe becomes the top priority. No matter where you are in Florida, whether in Sarasota, Bradenton, or elsewhere, follow these guidelines during the storm:

Shelter in Place
If you haven’t been asked to evacuate, stay indoors during the hurricane. Find a safe room in your home, away from windows, doors, and exterior walls—an interior bathroom or closet is usually the best option. For those in areas like Bradenton, where hurricanes can cause severe flooding, avoid any rooms that are prone to flooding or that are located below ground level.
Stay Away from Windows and Doors
Even with storm shutters or boarded-up windows, high winds and debris can cause glass to shatter. For residents in Sarasota or Manatee, it’s important to stay away from windows and glass doors to avoid injury. If you must be near a window, keep a mattress or sturdy object between you and the glass.
Avoid Floodwaters
In coastal areas like Sarasota, storm surge is a serious threat, and heavy rainfall can cause significant flooding. Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, as the water may be deeper than it appears or contain hazards such as downed power lines. Residents of Manatee and Bradenton should be particularly cautious of floodwaters during and after the storm, as it can take time for water to recede.

After the Storm: Safety and Recovery

The danger doesn’t end once the hurricane has passed. Many injuries and fatalities occur after the storm due to unsafe conditions, so it’s essential to remain vigilant during the recovery phase.

Wait for Official Clearance
Before venturing outside, wait for local authorities to declare that it is safe to do so. In areas like Manatee and Sarasota, debris, fallen power lines, and floodwaters can create hazardous conditions. Even if the storm seems to have passed, strong winds may still be present, and hazards could remain.
Check for Damage
Once you’re allowed outside, inspect your home for any visible damage. Check the roof, windows, and doors for signs of structural issues, and document any damage for insurance purposes. Residents of Bradenton, where hurricane-force winds are common, should also check for damage to vehicles and surrounding property. Remember to wear protective clothing when inspecting debris, and avoid any areas with downed power lines.
Be Cautious with Power and Utilities
Power outages are common after hurricanes, and it may take time for services to be restored, especially in areas like Manatee and Sarasota. Avoid using any electrical equipment that has been exposed to water, and use battery-powered devices instead. If you’re using a generator in Bradenton or any other location, make sure it’s set up outdoors and well-ventilated to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Conclusion

Hurricanes are a part of life in Florida, but with proper preparation, residents of Sarasota, Bradenton, and Manatee can stay safe and minimize damage. From creating an emergency kit to securing your home and staying informed, these precautions are essential to weathering the storm and protecting what matters most.

Being prepared not only protects your family and property but also gives you peace of mind during hurricane season. Taking the time to plan and execute your hurricane safety measures now will ensure you’re ready for whatever the season may bring.