Living on Florida's Gulf Coast is one of life's good decisions — and storms are simply part of it. Most of the stress of hurricane season comes from being caught unprepared, and that part is entirely within your control. The families who handle storms best made their decisions on a calm, sunny day, not while watching a forecast.
I'm Ian Brooks-Miller, a Realtor with Wagner Realty here in Bradenton and a Military Relocation Professional. I put this guide together for my neighbors, my customers, and the military families relocating to our area. It's a practical starting point — not a substitute for official guidance, which always comes first during an actual storm.
Free Download · No Cost, No Obligation
The Gulf Coast Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Seven pages built for our area: how to find your evacuation level, a printable supply checklist, home protection steps, an insurance reality check, your family plan, and a one-page quick reference to keep.
Get the Free Guide →Know Your Evacuation Level
The single most important thing you can do today.
The greatest threat to life in a hurricane is storm surge — ocean water pushed inland. That's why your evacuation level, not your flood zone, decides when you need to leave. Levels in our area run A through E, with Level A the most vulnerable and the first ordered out. Look yours up now, and check it again every year.
Manatee County
Find your level: mymanatee.org/level
Emergency Management: (941) 749-3500
Shelter status: Call 311
Alerts: Sign up for AlertManatee
Sarasota County
Find your level: "Know Your Level" at scgov.net
Alerts: Sign up for AlertSarasota County
Sarasota County does not separate "voluntary" and "mandatory" — if an evacuation is announced for your level, everyone in that area is being advised to leave.
Two things people get wrong: Your evacuation level is not the same as your FEMA flood zone. And everyone in a mobile or manufactured home, RV, or travel trailer must evacuate when Level A is ordered, regardless of location. Statewide tool: floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone · National forecasts: nhc.noaa.gov
Build Your Hurricane Kit
Aim for at least 7 days of supplies — power and stores can be out for a week or more.
Water — 1 gallon per person, per day, 7 days
Food — 7 days non-perishable + can opener
Medications — 7–14 day supply + list
First-aid kit
Flashlights + spare batteries
NOAA weather radio — battery/hand-crank
Chargers + power bank
Cash in small bills
Documents in a waterproof container
Pet / infant / elderly supplies
Protect Your Home
Cover your windows with rated shutters or pre-cut, labeled 5/8" or 3/4" plywood. Trim trees and clear gutters. Secure or bring in furniture, grills, and anything that can become a projectile. Know your shut-offs for water, electricity, and gas. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage — carbon monoxide is silent and deadly.
Photograph every room and the exterior before the season — it's invaluable for insurance claims. Florida's building codes have tightened over time, so newer homes (or a recently replaced roof) are built for stronger winds; a wind mitigation inspection can document those features and may lower your premium. Ask a licensed insurance professional.
Insurance, Documents & Your Family Plan
An honest word on insurance
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage — flood coverage is usually a separate policy, often through the NFIP, and commonly carries about a 30-day waiting period. Check your hurricane/wind deductible too; it's often a percentage of your home's value rather than a flat amount. Review your coverage early in the season. This is general education, not insurance advice — talk to a licensed insurance professional about your home.
Make a plan before a storm
Decide where you'll go ahead of time: a host home with family or friends outside the evacuation area, a hotel well inland, or a public shelter as a last resort. Plan your route and leave early, since coastal roads and bridges flood and close. Choose an out-of-state contact everyone knows. Plan for pets — not all shelters accept them. If you have medical needs, pre-register with your county's special-needs program now.
After the storm
Wait for officials to give the all-clear before returning. Never drive through flooded roads. Stay clear of downed power lines and assume they're live. Document any damage with photos before cleanup, then contact your insurer. And watch for contractor fraud — verify licenses, get it in writing, and don't pay in full up front.
Hurricane Questions, Answered
How do I find my evacuation zone in Bradenton or Manatee County?
Look up your address at mymanatee.org/level, or call Manatee County Emergency Management at (941) 749-3500. Sarasota County residents can use the "Know Your Level" tool at scgov.net. Levels run A through E, with A the most vulnerable to storm surge and the first ordered to evacuate.
What's the difference between an evacuation zone and a flood zone?
They're not the same. Your evacuation level is based on storm surge risk and tells you when officials may order you to leave. Your FEMA flood zone is about flood-insurance risk. It's worth knowing both.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Florida?
Typically no. Flood coverage is usually a separate policy, often through the NFIP, and commonly has about a 30-day waiting period — so buying it as a storm approaches generally won't help for that storm. This is general information, not insurance advice; consult a licensed insurance professional.
When is hurricane season in Florida?
June 1 through November 30 each year. The best time to prepare is before a storm is named, when supplies are stocked and you can make calm decisions.
What should be in a hurricane kit?
At least 7 days of supplies: a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food and a can opener, a 7–14 day supply of medications, first aid, flashlights and batteries, a NOAA weather radio, chargers and a power bank, cash, important documents in a waterproof container, and supplies for pets, infants, or elderly family members. The downloadable guide includes a full printable checklist.
Download the Guide & Stay Ready
Grab the free guide, take an hour on a calm day, and you'll spend the next storm watching the forecast instead of scrambling. Questions about coastal living, flood zones, or a move to the Gulf Coast? I'm always glad to help.
Download the Free Guide → Call or Text: 941-807-4609This page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for official guidance from local, state, or federal emergency-management authorities. During an actual storm, always follow the instructions of Manatee County and Sarasota County Emergency Management, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, FEMA, and the National Hurricane Center. Insurance information here is general and is not insurance, financial, or legal advice; consult a licensed insurance professional about your specific coverage.
Ian Brooks-Miller is a licensed Florida real estate agent affiliated with Wagner Realty and, in a transaction, works as a Transaction Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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