Emergency Preparedness

The most current disaster preparedness, planning, response, and recovery information from local, State, and Federal authorities will be available via media outlets, including social media. The following social media accounts may provide the most up-to-date information:

For all the latest in an emergency situation, please consult #ManateeReady.

 

View our Storm Preparation Guide


Evacuations and Shelters
Manatee County Emergency Management has provided the following information for all those within the county.

You should have a prepared plan (see resources below) and be able to execute it quickly. This will allow for any necessary evacuation with little difficulty. If evacuation is not mandatory for your area and you plan to stay in your home, be sure you have prepared a sufficient kit and are aware of other dangers.

Storm Evacuation Reminders

  1. Evacuation procedures are simple. The checklist below will show what steps to take when preparing for a possible weather-related evacuation. Manatee County residents are encouraged to stay with friends, family members or in hotels / motels located outside the predicted flooding areas or surge zones. If these options aren't available, you can use Manatee County shelters as a last resort.
  2. You DO NOT have an "assigned" shelter for your area. Any open shelter near your home will accept you as a refugee from the storm and assist you and your family. Manatee County shelters are opened depending on the direction and size of the storm. 
  3. Your comfort in a shelter will depend on what you can carry. Lawn chairs, cots and small folding tables are a good idea. 
  4. Obey the instructions of local authorities. Travel light but carry essentials and valuables.
  5. Load your emergency kit and other supplies in your vehicle.
  6. Leave your pet(s) in an approved animal shelter. Pets are allowed in some, but not all, Manatee County shelters, with the exception of guide dogs. Make these arrangements well ahead of time (prior to the beginning of hurricane season). Do not leave your pets in your home or release them to roam and fend for themselves.
  7. People who are pre-registered as a Special Needs Program client must be ready to evacuate, with their recommended evacuation kit, when called.
  8. People who should have registered as a Special Needs client, but have not, need to contact friends or family members for transportation to the Assisted Care Shelter or a hospital. If this is not possible, contact Manatee County Emergency Management at 941-748-4501 for assistance.

Precautionary Boil Water Notices during hurricanes, tropical storms, or unforeseen emergencies. What Should You Do?


Manatee County Levels and Route Maps
(Note that Manatee County has contract towing services assigned by the local law enforcement agencies and placed on stand-by. If your vehicle becomes disabled during evacuation, try to move it off the evacuation roadway and place a white cloth flag to signal vehicle distress. The towing service will assist you in moving your vehicle off the evacuation roadway and in finding transportation to the nearest possible shelter. They may not be able to transport you or your vehicle to a location of your preference.)