As Hurricane Milton, approaches, Sarasota and Manatee county shelters are opening to the public ahead of its landfall. Emergency Operations Centers in both counties are calling for the evacuation of everyone in levels A and B. Those living in level C should be prepared to evacuate if the storm intensifies. Find your evacuation zone here.

Both counties emphasize that public shelters should be a last option and that it's always recommended to stay with family and friends, if possible, when you're told to evacuate.

Stay tuned to local media and the counties' websites for the most-to-date information ahead of a storm or emergency event. Visit SCGov.net or My Manatee.org for the most up-to-date information on shelters and other storm-related information.

Uber Is Offering Free Rides to Shelters with Code MILTONRELIEF

Anyone who needs or wants to evacuate to a state-approved shelter ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall and lives in one of the 51 counties under a state of emergency (including Sarasota and Manatee) can take an Uber there for free, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

To get a free ride, use the promo code MILTONRELIEF when using the Uber app.

Before you Evacuate to a Center, Take the Following Precautions

• Locate the water shut-off valve for your residence. The valve is generally on the side of the house nearest the water meter/backflow prevention device, or may be inside the garage. 
• Turn the valve to the off position. This will help minimize damage to the interior of your home should a pipe burst.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for turning off your pool and/or water heater and unplug them, and switch off the circuit breaker. 
• Place an ice cube or two in a sealed plastic bag or small container in the freezer. If the ice cube has melted down from its original shape by the time you return, you'll know the power was off for an extended period of time and that you should throw out any food.
• Turn off the power and shut off the water valve to your irrigation system.
• Remove loose items, decorative and otherwise, outside the house and in the yard, and place them inside.
• Alert friends or family members of your plans and how they can contact you.

What to Bring to a Shelter

• Disinfectant wipes.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Flashlight (in case your center loses power).
• Your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards, driver license or photo I.D.
• Your children’s immunization and other important health and insurance records.
• Each family member’s medications, along with dosage information and physician’s contact information.
• Drinking water.
• Snacks or special foods.
• Bedding and pillows.
• Book or electronic entertainment items with headphones and chargers.
• Change of clothing.
• Personal hygiene items (including toilet paper).
• Games/comfort items for children. 

For information on how to prepare to bring your pet with you to a shelter, click here. All Sarasota County evacuation centers are pet-friendly.

Sarasota County Emergency Shelters

Evacuation centers will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The Emergency Operations Center is now calling for the evacuation of everyone in levels A and B. Those living in level C should be prepared to evacuate if the storm intensifies. All Sarasota County shelters are pet-friendly.

Hurricane Helene Temporary Shelter at Colonial Oaks Park 

A temporary, consolidated shelter for those impacted by Hurricane Helene is open at Colonial Oaks Park. 

Atwater Elementary School

4701 Huntsville Ave., North Port

Booker High School

3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota

Brookside Middle School

3636 S. Shade Ave., Sarasota 

Fruitville Elementary School

601 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota

Gulf Gate Elementary School

6500 S. Lockwood Ridge Road

Heron Creek Middle School

6501 W. Price Blvd., North Port

North Port High School

6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port

Phillippi Shores Elementary School

4747 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Southside Elementary School

1901 Webber St., Sarasota 

Taylor Ranch Elementary School

2500 Taylor Ranch Trail, Venice

Manatee County Emergency Shelters

The following Manatee County shelters will open at 2 p.m. today, Monday, Oct. 7. Please note that not all Manatee County shelters are pet-friendly.

 A special needs shelter will also be opening for those who have pre-registered. If you have not registered and you need to go to the special needs shelter, click here to do so.

Miller Elementary School

4201 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton

Mills Elementary School (Pet Friendly)

7200 69th Street East, Palmetto

Myakka City Elementary School

37205 Manatee Ave., Myakka City

Sugg Middle School (Pet Friendly)

5602 38th Ave. W., Bradenton (pet-friendly)

Harvey Elementary School (Pet Friendly)

8610 115th Ave. E., Parrish

McNeal Elementary School

6325 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch 

Mona Jain Middle School (Pet Friendly)

 12205 44th Ave. E., Bradenton

Gullett Elementary School (Pet Friendly)

 12125 44th Ave. E., Bradenton