Evacuation and Shelter

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Do you know when it is time to evacuate? Or will you shelter in place? Locals will announce evacuation levels through AlertSarasota and the City of Venice Facebook page. 

Sign up for AlertSarasota County to receive alerts on when different Evacuation Levels are called to evacuate.  

 Follow us on Facebook at the City of Venice Facebook Page.

How are evacuation levels determined?

Evacuation levels are based on hurricane storm surge zones determined by the National Hurricane Center using ground elevation and the area’s vulnerability to storm surge from a hurricane. The evacuation levels are marked from A through E, and non-evacuation areas. All mobile homes will be called with Evacuation Level A, regardless of their location within the City. These areas are called special evacuation areas. 

An evacuation order is issued to get people away from the deadliest parts of a hurricane’s storm surge. Local officials cannot force you to evacuate, but know that when winds reach a sustained 45 mph, emergency services will not be dispatched to homes due to safety concerns from flying debris.

To find your evacuation level visit Know Your Level or use the interactive map below. 

 

 Where are the Hurricane Evacuation Centers? 

Know that sheltering at a Sarasota County Hurricane evacuation center should be an option of last resort. Please consider sheltering with a family member, friend or neighbor with a newer home or on higher ground instead. The intent of these shelters is to keep you alive during a storm. You will have limited space and privacy, and must bring your own food and other necessities. To find the closest evacuation center visit the Sarasota County Evacuation Center site. If you cannot find transportation to an evacuation center transportation to evacuations centers is available. Visit the Sarasota County Transportation Plan for more information. Registration is required at least 60 hours before storm landfall. 

kitten in crate

All county shelters will be pet friendly. Bring your own pet crate, and make sure you bring something for your dog or cat to eat, drink, and sleep on, these will not be provided. 

 If you have special medical needs you can register for Sarasota County's Medical Needs Program.

 You can also find this information in our 2024 Hurricane Guide and in the Sarasota County Emergency Preparedness Guide

Your evacuation level is not your flood zone. Visit the Flood Zone Map to find your zone or search for your address in the map below.