Hurricane Preparation

1. Hurricane Preparation Lee County Government wants you to be prepared in the event a storm threatens Southwest Florida.

2. Hurricane Preparation The following information will help you protect your family and home in case a hurricane approaches Lee County.

3. Hurricane Preparation Understand Your Risk Make a Plan Keep Yourself Safer Simplify Your Recovery

4. It’s Your Responsibility You are the person most responsible for your safety. • Make a Plan Now • Know Your Risks • Evaluate Your Options

5. It’s Your Responsibility • Identify a Safer Location for Evacuation. • Know How You Will Get There. • Know What You Will Take (Make a Kit). • Know When You Will Leave. • Plan Now for Recovery After the Storm.

6. Know Your Risks • Southwest Florida is the most difficult place in the nation to evacuate for hurricanes. • Because of low elevation, most of Lee County is vulnerable to saltwater storm surge even if we are far from the shore.

7. Know Your Risks • Parts of US-41 could flood from saltwater storm surge in a minimal hurricane. • All of US-41 and parts of I-75 could flood from saltwater storm surge in a major hurricane.

8. Know Your Risks • 200,000 people or more may need to be evacuated for a minor to moderate hurricane. • Most of the County may be required to evacuate for a major hurricane. • Because of long evacuation times, evacuations may be required very early, even if the risks appear minimal.

9. Know Your Risks • If you stay in the area, be prepared to be on your own for at least three (3) days. • Fire, Police and Medical response will be unavailable or delayed for an extended period during and after the storm.

10. Know Your Risks Evaluate your specific risks. The items below impact your situation and must be considered in your planning. • Live in a Manufactured Home • Own or Live in an RV or Boat • Have Specific Medical Needs • Own Pets

11. Evaluate Your Options • Mobile Homes, Boats and RVs are not safe during a hurricane. Site built homes may be safe if they are: • Protected against the wind • Located outside the evacuation zone • Identify a safer location if required to evacuate. • Use Public Shelters as a last resort.

12. Make a PlanPrepare Your Home • Protect all glass. • Brace the garage door. • Set refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. • Turn off and secure propane tanks. • Lower your pool water about 12 inches. Do not drain your pool. • Pick up and secure any loose items.

13. Make a PlanPrepare Your Supplies • Three days of emergency food and water. • Buy or freeze extra ice. Larger blocks will last longer than crushed or cubed ice. • Have plenty of extra batteries for radios, flashlights (avoid candles) and toys. • Fill bathtub with water for sanitary use. • Fill your vehicle with fuel.

14. Make a PlanOther Preparations • Secure boats and RVs. • Waterproof important documents. • Refill prescription medications. • Plan for pets. They are not allowed in shelters. • Service animals are not pets and are allowed in any shelter.

15. Make a PlanIf You Stay • Do not stay if ordered to evacuate. • Stay in an interior room away from windows and doors until told it is safe. • The eye of a storm may appear calm but winds will increase rapidly as it passes. • Monitor local broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for information.

16. Make a PlanIf You Leave • Leave early if possible and stay away until authorities say it is safe to return. • Evacuate only as far as necessary. It will be easier to return later. • Make sure your destination is appropriate and can meet your needs. • Keep your kit and important papers with you.

17. Make a PlanIf You Go to a Shelter • Not all shelters are open for all events. Listen to local media for shelter locations. • Hospitals are not public shelters. • If you have special medical needs, such as Oxygen or uninterrupted electricity, check out our Special Needs Program. • Register or get more information at www.LeeEOC.com or call 239-533-3640.

18. Make a PlanIf You Go to a Shelter • Bring personal hygiene items. • Bring blankets and a cot, pad or chair for relaxing and sleeping. • Bring quiet toys and games for kids. • Bring comfort food and snacks. • Be considerate of others.

19. Make a PlanIf You Go to a Shelter • Pets are not allowed in general shelters. • Contact Animal Services (239-533-7387) for pet friendly shelter information. • Service animals are not pets and are allowed in all shelters.

20. Make a PlanIf You Go to a Shelter Some items and activities are prohibited. • Smoking is not allowed in shelters. • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. • Firearms and weapons are not allowed. • Tents may not be set up inside shelters.

21. Make a Kit • One gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least three days • Food that does not require cooking • Disposable eating/cooking utensils • Manual can/bottle opener • Baby items: food, diapers, powder, etc. • Plastic trash bags

22. Make a Kit • Potable radio and extra batteries • Flashlights (not candles) and extra batteries • Corded telephone (doesn’t need household electricity to operate) • Pet supplies

23. Make a Kit • A change of clothing and sturdy shoes • Cash (small bills and coins) • Important papers • Prescription medicine and spare eyeglasses • Specialty items for infants, elderly and persons with disabilities as needed

24. Plan for Recovery • Be patient and be prepared to survive without electricity for days to weeks. • Know the limits of your technical and physical abilities. • Use proper tools, techniques and safety equipment when doing home repair. • Make sure contractors are licensed and insured.

25. Plan for RecoveryElectrical Restoration Electrical Utilities have detailed plans to restore your electricity. Service will generally be restored according to the following priorities. • Power plants, transmission lines and substations • Main lines to critical infrastructure • Other main lines to bring the largest number of customers online in the shortest time • Neighborhood (block-by-block) restoration

26. Plan for RecoveryGenerator Safety • Never run any generator indoors, near windows or the eaves of your home. • All generators produce deadly Carbon Monoxide (CO). • CO is colorless, odorless and tasteless. • Install a Carbon Monoxide detector for added safety.

27. Plan for RecoveryGenerator Safety • Do not overload the generator with too many things at once. • Plug appliances directly into the generator outlets or use heavy duty, outdoor extension cords. • Do not connect your generator to your home’s electrical system unless you have a properly installed transfer switch.

28. For InformationDuring and After the Storm FOR GENERAL INFORMATION • Listen to local media (radio or TV) as available • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio • Visit www.LeeEOC.com TO ASK A QUESTION • Call the Lee County / United Way Storm Information Hotline at 211 or 433-3900

29. For InformationBefore the Storm • Call Lee County Emergency Management at 239-533-3622. • Attend a community hurricane seminar. (Call or visit our website for a schedule) • Review the ALL HAZARDS GUIDE. (Call or visit our website for a copy) • Internet: www.LeeEOC.com www.Lee-County.com

30. For InformationWeb and Social Media www.LeeEOC.com • Family Disaster Plan • Code Red • SMS Messaging • RSS Feed • Special Needs Application www.Lee-County.com Hurricane Preparation Guide Follow us on Twitter @LeeEOC @LCEMFL Download LeeEvac App iTunes Store google.play.com Like us on Facebook Watch us on You Tube

31. Watch this channel for continuing updates and information issued by the Lee County Emergency Operations Center.