Sarasota Memorial Hospital set to ride out Hurricane Milton

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is prepared to ride out Hurricane Milton, the hospital's CEO said.

"We are concerned about the many unknowns of a potential Cat 5 storm. But our facilities are hurricane hardened and constantly updated to meet current codes," David Verinder said.

He said the main hospital sits on the highest point in Sarasota, 19 feet above sea level, and has hurricane-impact windows and the latest protection techniques.

"We are buttoning up and stocking up on supplies – food, water, linens, medications, etc., … enough to be self sufficient for at least 7 days, with an additional supply of non-perishable foods if needed, Verinder said.

The hospital has its own well for an emergency water supply and 2,500 cases of water bottles at the Sarasota campus with additional supplies at our other campuses.

"Generators are ready to go. Topped off our diesel tanks — 200,000 gallons of fuel and access to natural gas."

Verinder said the hospital expects to care for more than 4,000 people in the facility during the storm, including patients, physicians, clinical and nonclinical staff and family members.

More than 2,500 staff members will spend multiple nights in the hospital for the duration of the storm, starting Tuesday night. 

SMH is providing childcare on site and pet shelters at both hospitals.

"Several hundred physicians will remain on site for the duration of the storm to care for patients at our two hospitals (Sarasota and Venice) and freestanding ER in North Port," Verinder wrote.