City prepares for Hurricane Irma

For Immediate Release: September 5, 2017

Contact: Kate Flexter, Communications Specialist 941-928-3988

City prepares for Hurricane Irma

Sarasota, FL: As Hurricane Irma strengthens to a Category 5 storm, the City of Sarasota is urging residents to prepare. Recent models show the hurricane possibly turning north toward Florida by this weekend and Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency across the state.

Right now, the City of Sarasota’s Emergency Operations Center is at a level two partial activation as City staff closely monitor the storm. City Manager Tom Barwin met with key City staff members this morning to discuss and plan citywide preparations.

Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re prepared:

• Have enough water and food to last at least three days.

• Fill your car’s gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued.

· Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind, such as patio furniture.

• Fill any prescriptions.

• Plan ahead for your pets.

• Consider preparing to store extra water in containers available in the home (i.e. water bottles, pots and pans)

• Learn where the nearest shelter is located.

• Monitor local media and City social media for evacuation notices and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

It’s crucial to know your hurricane evacuation zone. Signs at key intersections are attached to stop signs with the letter “A” or “B” to indicate the evacuation zone. Evacuation Zone A is considered to be most at-risk for storm surge. While there are five evacuation zones (A-E) within the city limits, only the highest at-risk zones have the signage. To determine your evacuation zone, click here or visit the City of Sarasota’s webpage via www.sarasotagov.com.

It’s also crucial to know where the nearest shelter is located. To find a shelter near you, click here.

Todd Kerkering, Emergency Manager, will give an update on Hurricane Irma preparations tonight at approximately 6:30 p.m. to the City Commission.

The City of Sarasota will continue to update residents as information becomes available.

For more information contact Todd Kerkering, Emergency Manager: 941-363-5811.

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About the City of Sarasota: Distinguished by Google as a Digital Capital in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 53,000 year round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, a 45-hole municipal golf course at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at www.SarasotaGov.com

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