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Hurricane Preparedness PlanHurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30, with September considered the peak of storm season. It is critical to have an emergency kit and a plan in place well before tropical weather is headed our way. 

In the event of a severe weather threat or emergency, look for updates regarding hospital services on smh.com, social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), in local news and via other communications channels.

Is Sarasota Memorial a Community Shelter?

Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Sarasota Campus and Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Venice Campus are designated medical shelters during critical emergency situations, including hurricanes. It is NOT a community shelter/public evacuation center

To ensure adequate facilities, staffing and supplies for emergencies, we must reserve our rooms for patients and residents with qualifying medical needs who have registered for assistance through the county’s Medical Needs Program and have been assigned to Sarasota Memorial.

Medically Dependent Residents  

Sarasota County is responsible for assigning pre-registered residents with qualifying medical needs to the appropriate evacuation center. Pre-registered medically dependent people (MDPs) who require a hospital setting may be assigned to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Local emergency officials will establish other shelter locations for people with medical needs who do not require a hospital setting.

If you will require special medical assistance during severe weather threats, please pre-register with Sarasota County prior to a hurricane or tropical storm: Call Sarasota County’s Call Center at 941-861-5000 or click here. If you have pre-registered with the county, they will contact you for transport to the appropriate shelter as designated by the county.

Sarasota Memorial will provide the following for qualifying Medically Dependent People (MDPs) assigned to our hospitals:

  • Sleeping accommodations — Because our limited number of hospital beds must be reserved for critically ill or injured patients or patients evacuated from other hospitals, not all who are assigned to Sarasota Memorial as a medical shelter will be placed in a hospital bed. Some will be provided with cots, stretchers or recliners. 
  • Food (predetermined menu) — Sarasota Memorial is unable to prepare special diets for those assigned to our campuses for sheltering. Assigned shelterees and their caregivers should bring food if they have special dietary needs.

Sarasota Memorial is unable to provide sheltered medically dependent residents with:

  • Medications — Bring a supply of your own prescription medications.
  • TV or other entertainment 

*Note that the county also offers last-resort transportation to shelters for non-medically dependent residents. Click here for info.

Sarasota Memorial Employees

In the event of a hurricane, Sarasota Memorial employees should call the Employee Hotline, 941-917-8799, or visit smh.com/hurricane for updates.