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:
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