Emergency Alerts & Notices

All major cutting of vegetation (i.e., tree removal) should be completed before the beginning of hurricane season. Removal of debris from routine yard maintenance throughout the year can be prepared for curbside collection on your collection day.

• Cut back all trees or branches that are near your home, pool cage, shed or other buildings.
• Have your foliage thinned so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees/plants will be uprooted.
• Place prepared vegetative trimmings at the curb on your regular collection day. Yard waste must be containerized in an extra yard waste container, paper lawn/leaf bag or bundled.
• Collect household hazardous waste and properly dispose of it.  

View our yard waste guidelines

• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts, and clear clogged areas or debris.
• Bring anything indoors that may become projectiles during heavy winds, including outdoor furniture, decorations and potted plants.
• Secure and reinforce your roof, windows and doors, including garage doors. Schedule a bulk pickup. 
• Learn how and when to turn off gas, water and electricity. Never burn candles or oil lamps during the storm even if the power is off.
• Keep in mind your Wi-Fi will only work if electricity is on. Many router boxes have external batteries that will keep Wi-Fi running for a limited period of time if power is interrupted.

• Keep your culvert and swales clean and free of debris, so the drainage system works properly. 

For mobile or manufactured homes:

•  Check tie-downs annually. Make sure straps are tight, properly aligned and not on an angle.
• Verify that ground anchors and stabilizer plates have been installed properly.
• Be sure support piers are in contact with the frame.
• Replace straps or ground anchors that show signs of corrosion or damage.

Reporting and tracking an outage

Florida Power & Light Company understands that power outages can be an inconvenience. FPL provides tools for you to track outages and get updates on power restoration in your area. For faster access, download the FPL app from the App Store or Google Play, or text “App” to MyFPL (69375) to stay connected and informed with ease. You can also visit FPL.com to report or check the status of your outage. 

How FPL restores your power

Florida Power & Light Company is dedicated to restoring your power safely and as quickly as possible after a storm. Our highly skilled restoration teams work around the clock, prioritizing critical infrastructure to ensure power is restored to your community. Click here to learn how FPL restores power. Additionally, the company urges you to always be aware of potential safety hazards, especially before, during and after severe weather. Find tips on how to prepare on FPL.com/Storm.

FPL Storm Center 

Know Your Zone, Know Your Level

• Flood Zone: These federally identified zones indicate a property's risk for flooding at any time of the year. This zone has nothing to do with hurricanes or other emergencies, and everything to do with your property insurance and building requirements. Find your flood zone. 
• Evacuation Level: These are mapped by the National Hurricane Center and indicate areas that will be affected by storm surge. Know your evacuation level. 

Pet Prep

Pets should not be left behind. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost or worse. Prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home. View Sarasota County pet prep.

Medical Needs Program

Sarasota County Government residents with qualifying medical needs are encouraged to apply for registration as a medically-dependent person (MDP). This means that if you sign-up, you will be on the county’s registry for transportation and sheltering at a medically-dependent Evacuation Center during a disaster.

The registered person with medical needs (MDP) will receive a cot, sheet, light blanket and bath towel at an evacuation center. Residents interested in applying are asked to call Sarasota County by dialing 311. Learn more about the Medical Needs program. 

Local Radio Stations

• The Bone 102.5 FM
• CTQ/iHeart Radio 92.1 FM
• National Weather Service NOAA Weather Radio 162.4 FM
• WENG Radio 98.1 FM
• Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) 88.5 FM
• Venice National Weather Service Propagation WWG59 162.400 WB

Check out the Storm Smart Safety Series video playlist below. Emergency Manager Stacy Aloisio shares helpful tips and suggestions to keep in mind.

During such periods of time as are designated by the National Weather Service as being a hurricane watch, the Building Official shall issue orders to secure all construction sites. Orders shall be oral or written and shall be given to any person on the premises most logically responsible for maintenance or by email to the responsible entity if such entity is known.

It shall be the joint responsibility of any owner of real property upon which construction is occurring and any contractor responsible for said construction to ensure that all road rights-of-way remain free at all times of all construction waste and trash resulting from such construction and that all waste and trash resulting from the construction are contained on the real property upon which the construction occurs.

Notices issued by the National Weather Service of a hurricane watch are deemed sufficient notice to the owner of real property upon which construction is occurring or any contractor responsible for said construction to secure loose construction debris and loose construction materials against the effects of hurricane force winds.

Pursuant to notices issued it shall be the responsibility for an owner of the real property upon which construction is occurring, or any contractor responsible for said construction, on that property, to ensure materials stockpiled on top of any structure under construction shall be permanently installed by the property owner or contractor upon a hurricane watch; provided, however, in the event such installation cannot be timely completed, then the property owner or contractor shall:

1. Band together the construction materials and fasten them to the top of the structure in such a manner so as not to present a threat of their becoming airborne during severe weather or

2. Remove the construction materials from the top of the structure and fasten them down to the ground or

3. Remove the construction materials from the job site or

4. Store the construction materials inside an enclosed structure

Building for Hurricane Safety

There are currently no active boil water notices for North Port Utilities customers. 

What do I need to do when a boil water notice is in effect for my area?

The tap water should be heated to a rolling boil for one (1) full minute before using. Therefore, as a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing fruits, vegetables and dishes be boiled.  

Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving and washing, as long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in eyes or nose or mouth.  Children and disabled individuals or those with suppressed immune systems should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Though the risk of illness is minimal those individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunosuppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled water for cleansing until the advisory is lifted.

Customers should follow boil water procedures until they receive a public notice that cancels the boil water advisory.

After service is resumed, it is advised that residents open their faucets for a few minutes to clear their water lines. Do not use the water for washing clothes until the water is running clear.

It is safe to use bottled water as an alternative with no further treatment. 

The City contracts with private contractors before hurricane season for these services.

• The contractor’s trucks have a mechanical claw to collect storm debris that is placed in public rights of way.
• The City’s contractors can only remove hurricane generated debris.
• The number of pick-ups to each residence after a storm will be different after each event and will be communicated to residents. 
• The City cannot remove debris generated from commercial properties.
• Debris removal from vacant lots, unimproved property, commercial property and unused or unmaintained areas are not eligible for pickup through this debris removal. This includes debris on agricultural lands used for crops or livestock. 

Preparing Debris

Separate debris into six categories: Household Hazardous Waste, Electronics, Appliances, Construction and demolition debris, Vegetative debris and everyday household trash

•  All debris must be placed curbside, in the right of way, without blocking the roadway or storm drains. Debris placed near, on or under trees, poles, utility boxes, mailboxes, fire hydrants and/or meters cannot be collected by the bulk pick up mechanical claw truck. If you do not have a sidewalk, place debris at the edge of your property line (i.e., right of way). If you live in a cul-de-sac, the claw truck may not fit to collect your debris. The debris hauler will return with a smaller piece of equipment to remove your debris.

•  Only hurricane damaged drywall and insulation can be placed in clear bags. All other debris must be placed loose at the curb.

•  The homeowner is responsible for cleaning up residual debris following the collection. All small leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc., need to be raked up and containerized for collection on the next pass. Small debris that is not containerized cannot be collected by the heavy equipment (mechanical claw) used by storm debris contractor.

Preparing Hurricane Debris Visual Chart

Right-of-Entry (ROE)

In preparation for hurricane season, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that private or gated communities with restricted access (that have locks, gates or guards) have a current Right of Entry and Indemnification Form on file with the City of North Port before any assessments, pre-approval or disaster debris recovery contractors are allowed to enter the community.

The City of North Port requires an HOA President, Property Manager or Authorized Signer to complete the form prior to the start of hurricane season. Sample: Right of Entry Authorization

HOA, POA and CDD representatives can contact the Department of Public Works at 941-240-8050 or email pwcustservice@northportfl.gov for questions or assistance.

Before a storm:

• Provide employees with information on when, if and how to report to work following an emergency.
• Store valuable information in fire/waterproof containers, off-site and away from the storm’s path.
• Evaluate your insurance coverage to ensure it will allow your business to fully recover after a storm. Keep your policy in a location off-site.
• Maintain a video or pictures of your office/equipment prior to a disaster.
• Stockpile spare parts and alternative power supplies.
• Ensure that there are written procedures in place, lists of customers, vendors, inventory, calendars and schedules; and that this information and location is shared with other employees who will be needed to get the business back in operation.
• Unplug equipment during major storms.
• Encourage employees to have a workplace survival kit.

More Resources

Florida Department of Commerce

North Port Economic Development