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The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is
involved in county-wide disaster planning, and many DOH-Sarasota professionals
act as first-responders during disaster events like hurricanes.
Before the Storm: Be prepared
Creating a disaster plan
and emergency supply kit are the most important steps you can take to
prepare for a hurricane. The following guide will help you make a
plan. It includes important info for people with disabilities
and for helping children cope.
Sarasota County Emergency Services provides preparedness info and
resources, including checklists, forms, and documents for families,
businesses, neighborhoods, and more.
Remember health when making a disaster plan:
Special Needs Shelters:
Sarasota County has shelters equipped to accommodate persons
with special needs. For information, call (941) 861-5000.
During a Storm: Stay tuned and follow instructions
If the area you live is affected by a tropical storm or hurricane,
local authorities including Sarasota County Emergency Management
and DOH-Sarasota will monitor the situation and give
instructions. Stay tuned to local TV, radio, and other media to
get the latest information.
Local online resources for storm information:
Follow evacuation any orders and do not enter flooded areas. Most serious injuries and fatalities in storm situations
occur to people who ignore evacuation orders or who venture into flooded
areas. Sarasota County operates several emergency shelters,
including ones that accommodate pets and people with disabilities or
other special needs.
Stay healthy. Remember to stay hydrated and
take your medications.
After the Storm: Remain cautious
The aftermath of a storm can pose lingering dangers to health and
safety. Use caution around damaged buildings, downed power lines,
and other debris.
The following guide will help you reduce your risk of illness and
injury from food, drinking water, flood water, heat, fire, carbon
monoxide, pests, and more.
Preventing risks after the storm
Below you will find info on specific risks to health and safety that may
be a concern following a storm. Often these are caused or made
worse by an extended power outage that may occur after a storm.
- Personal Injury: After the storm, cleanup
can be a very dangerous time. While making repairs, you can be
seriously injured using power tools, climbing ladders and working on
roofs. If you are not experienced using power tools, like chain
saws, or comfortable using ladders or working at heights, ask for
help from professionals. If you are going to make repairs, have
someone help you and always pace yourself.
- Heat Exhaustion: Florida’s sweltering
temperatures can easily lead to heat exhaustion. Pace yourself when
making storm damage repairs. If you can, avoid working during the
hottest part of the day. Be sure to drink plenty of non-alcoholic
beverages and rest when you are tired. By following these
suggestions you can help avoid heat exhaustion and other more
serious heat related illnesses.
- Illness from Contaminated Food & Water:
One of the dangers after a storm is contamination of food and water.
Never eat food that has come into any contact with dirty water or
has remained in the refrigerator or freezer without power for long
periods of time. Listen to local announcements on the safety of your
water supply, especially if you have a private well. If a boil water
notice is issued for your area, use only commercially bottled water
or water that has been boiled or disinfected.
- Flood Waters: Following heavy rainfall,
flooding can pose a serious risk of drowning and injury. In addition
to the risk associated with driving through moving water, there is
health risk associated with standing water. Potential electrocution
from downed street lights and power lines, injury from snakes or
floating insects, as well as illness from contaminated water. If you
come into contact with flood water, thoroughly rinse any exposed
body parts with soap and clean water to reduce the chance of
illness.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: If you use a
generator, charcoal or gas grill indoors, even in the garage. You
risk carbon monoxide poisoning. This highly poisonous gas is
odorless, tasteless and colorless. If you think you may have been
exposed to carbon monoxide or other dangerous substances, you should
call 911 or the Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Storm waters can bring mosquitoes
Take cover… from mosquitoes, that is. Cover your skin with clothing and
repellant, and cover doors and windows and screens to stop mosquitos
from getting into your home. Don’t forget to drain standing water from
bird baths, flower pots, garbage cans or any place where water collects
to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk
and dawn, so limit outdoor activity during those times. Take the fight
out of mosquitoes. Drain and cover.
More Information
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