PREPARE FOR HURRICANES:

  • Get a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable kit in case you have to evacuate.

  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane:

    • A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets for the latest developments.

    • A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

  • Prepare to secure your property:

    • Cover all of your homes' windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters.

    • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

    • Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed

  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate

PLAN TO EVACUATE:

  • Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate

  • If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating

  • Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your neighborhood

  • Identify several places you could go in an emergency - a friend's home in another town, a motel or public shelter

  • Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area

  • Take your emergency supply kit

  • Bring important papers such as birth certificates and marriage licenses.

  • Turn off water, gas and electricity

  • Lock the door behind you

  • Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets.

  • If you are not able to evacuate, stay indoors, away from all windows. Take shelter in an interior room with no windows if possible. Be aware that there may be a sudden lull in the storm as the eye of the hurricane moves over. Stay in your shelter until local authorities say it is safe.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO INCLUDE IN A BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in -place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or plier to turn off utitilties
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains food)

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES:
Department of Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness: www.ready.gov

FEMA: www.fema.gov ; 1-800-621-FEMA

Florida Hurricane Updates: www.floridadisaster.org

National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

State of Florida: www.myflorida.com

Lee County Emergency Management: www.leeeoc.com ; 239-533-3622

Collier County Emergency Management: www.collierem.org ; 239-252-3600

Charlotte County Emergency Management: www.charlottecountyfl.com/emergency ; 941-833-4000

Office Locations

  • Washington, D.C.

    115 Cannon House
    Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20515
    Phone: 202-225-2536
    Fax: 202-226-0439
  • Cape Coral, FL

    804 Nicholas Parkway E.
    Suite 1
    Cape Coral, FL 33990
    Phone: 239-573-5837
    Fax: 239-573-9125
  • Naples, FL

    3299 Tamiami Trail East
    Suite 105
    Naples, FL 34112
    Phone: 239-252-MACK (6225)
    Fax: 239-252-8065
Office Locations Map