Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are a Fact of Life Here

The following is a brief summary of how to prepare for hurricane season. The town of Longboat Key has excellent and thorough information, and we encourage you to follow the town’s suggestions. You find it at https://www.longboatkey.org/residents/hurricane-information

You are also encouraged to sign up for the weather alerts that the town sends out. You can do so at https://www.longboatkey.org/i-want-to/register-for/email-notifications Then you will receive email notifications when there are Hurricane watches and warnings.

(A watch means hurricane conditions are possible; a hurricane may affect our area in 48 hours, in advance of hurricane force winds. A warning means hurricane conditions are likely. It will be issued up to 36 hours in advance of tropical/hurricane force winds. The weather will deteriorate very quickly and outside conditions will be unsafe in 12 hours or less.)

When There is a Hurricane Watch
  • Decide where you will go in case of evacuation. Think of several locations, depending on the direction of the storm.
  • Have a go bag made up, or at least planned, with essential documents, medications, devices, chargers.
  • Stock up on non-perishable food and water. You may not evacuate, but just lose power.
  • Keep cash on hand.
  • In general, think ahead. Many people in Florida will be buying the same supplies you are buying, needing to go to the same locations, and so forth.
When There is a Hurricane Warning
  • Plan to evacuate.
  • Finalize your travel plans. If you are going to a hotel, make your reservations early. You can always cancel them.
  • Finalize your travel plans. If you are going to a hotel, make your reservations early. You can always cancel them.
  • Prepare to be flexible. Remember that storm forecasting is not exact.
  • Update your go bag.
  • Top up your gas tank.
  • Charge your devices.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially the vulnerable and those living alone.
When There is an Evacuation Order

Leave as soon as you are able. It is a violation of Florida law to remain on Longboat Key after an evacuation order has been issued. Emergency personnel will not come out to the island and rescue residents who ignore orders to leave.


Take snacks in your car. You might get stuck in very slow traffic and have to wait to eat. You also might have to delay using bathrooms, so plan for that. If you are stuck in a car, you might be glad to have a personal urinal device with you. Yes, you can get one on Amazon.

After the Storm

Be aware that there are many hazards you may face when you drive back home, including flooding, debris in the roads, and downed power lines. Keep in touch with friends and watch the news to decide when to return and which route to take. For example, if there is a lot of flooding, Interstate 4 would be a good road to take, assuming you have checked to see there are no obstacles on it at the time you are traveling. Crowded roads and slow traffic are a big problem to watch out for on your return.
If you have signed up for Longboat Alerts, you will be informed when power is back on in your area.

Act Wisely in All Storms

Naturally, we are most worried about hurricanes. However, heavy rains and flooding can cause hazards in coastal Florida. The week of June 10, 2024 saw record rainfalls in Sarasota and Manatee County and many rescues of motorists by emergency personnel. St. Armands Circle got 8 inches of water in 3 hours and was impassable for island residents trying to return from Sarasota. Use extreme caution when you see standing water on roadways and avoid it if you can. Even a few inches can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.