Emergency Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and the time to prepare is before a storm is on the radar. Waiting until a hurricane is approaching can leave you without essential supplies or enough time to take action.

For up-to-date information before, during, and after a storm, visit our Severe Weather Information Center to access emergency alerts, local resources, and recovery updates.

Stay Informed

Sign up for CodeRED to receive alerts and updates in the City of Bradenton. This official notification system provides rapid emergency alerts and updates via phone, text or email, depending on your preference. It’s quick and easy to sign up.

Monitor local media and follow the City of Bradenton @BradentonGov on social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Bradenton Police Department: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Manatee County Public Safety Department: Facebook / Twitter
National Weather Service - Tampa Bay: Facebook / Twitter
State Emergency Response Team: Facebook
Florida Division of Emergency Management Twitter
Ready.gov: Facebook / Twitter

Storm Preparation Guide

Evacuations and Shelters

Manatee County Shelters

You may need to evacuate your home from an impending hurricane if you are power dependent, live in an evacuation zone, or live in a mobile home. Residents are encouraged to use public sheltering only if no other options exist.

Storm Evacuation Reminders

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. Your comfort in a shelter will depend on what you can carry. Lawn chairs, cots and small folding tables are a good idea.
Obey the instructions of local authorities. Travel light but carry essentials and valuables.
Load your emergency kit and other supplies in your vehicle.
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.
People who are pre-registered as a Special Needs Registry client must be ready to evacuate, with their recommended evacuation kit, when called.
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.

Know Your Evacuation Zone and Evacuation Route

Manatee County GIS Evacuation Zones, Routes, Shelters

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.

Precautionary Boil Water Notices During Hurricanes, Tropical storms, or Unforeseen Emergencies

If during a hurricane, tropical storm or unforeseen emergency, our water system loses power and water pressure, we will issue a precautionary boil water notice (PBWN) to our customers.

Under a boil water notice, water used for consumption can be disinfected by any one of the following methods:

Bringing the water to a rolling boil and allow it to boil continuously for 1 minute.
Using a disinfecting treatment: If you cannot boil water, you should put 8 drops of common household bleach (unscented) which is about 1/8th teaspoon, into 1 gallon of tap water, then shake it, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before drinking. If the water is cloudy, use 16 drops, about 1/4 teaspoon of bleach instead of 8, shake it, and let it stand for 30 minutes. There should be a slight chlorine odor. Use common household bleach that has 5% to 8% active ingredients. Use food grade containers.
Using water purification tablets or iodine. These are products that many sports and camping stores sell. Make sure to follow the directions provided. You can also buy commercial bottled water for consumption and food preparation as an alternative. Consumption includes brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, and homemade ice. Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth. Children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to ensure water is not ingested.
The time spent bathing should be minimized. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water (that has cooled) for cleansing until the notice is lifted.
Businesses and non-residential sites should take steps such as posting notices at or disabling water fountains and ice machines during the PBWN. If you provide water to visitors or employees, use commercially produced bottled water for drinking or beverage preparation (coffee).
Food service operations have additional requirements from their regulatory agency.
After the water system is repaired, and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the precautionary boil water notice will remain in effect for one to several days while bacteria tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after tests prove the water is safe to drink. It may be lifted in sections of the city/county as those areas’ pipes are cleared and the water deemed safe to drink. The media will be provided information updates, and you should listen for this important information on the radio, television, or other media sources. Flush your taps and dispose of ice made during the PBWN. The employees of The City of Bradenton WTP, your public water system, take great care in assuring that your water is safe to drink, and we appreciate your cooperation with the precautionary boil water notice to protect public health during this difficult time.

Please call us if you have questions or concerns: 941-727-6360.

The County Health Department can also assist you with answers to questions: 941-748-0747.

Electric Vehicle Storm Safety Tips

Charge Your EV: Make sure your electric vehicle (EV) is fully charged ahead of potential power outages,

Move to Higher Ground: If flooding from storm surge or heavy rain is expected, relocate your EV to higher ground. Do not leave it in a garage or low-lying areas prone to storm surge, as water damage can cause serious safety risks.

Avoid Driving Through Saltwater: Saltwater intrusion can increase the risk of fire in EVs, potentially destroying the vehicle and endangering homes or nearby structures. This applies to golf carts, e-bikes, and other battery powered vehicles as well.

Inspect after Flooding: If water exposure occurs, have a professional inspect your EV before use. Don't risk it!

Avoid Charging Immediately: If your EV has been in floodwater, don't charge it until it's been professionally assessed to prevent electrical hazards. Watch for signs like overheating, smoke, or unusual smells. If you notice any of these, contact emergency services immediately.

Move Away from Structures: If you EV was exposed to water, especially saltwater, move it at least 50 feet away from homes and flammable materials to prevent potential fires. Lithium-ion batteries may ignite even days after exposure.