Preparing for Hurricane Season in Southwest Florida
Whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident, preparing for a hurricane can make all the difference in keeping you, your family, and your home safe.
Here’s a guide to help you stay ready and prepared for when the winds start picking up.
1. Know Your Evacuation Zone
Before the storm hits, it’s essential to know your evacuation zone. These zones are designated based on a hurricane's potential to cause flooding, and your proximity to the coast. This information will help you understand when to evacuate and where you can go for shelter.
2. Plan for Shelters
Not all shelters are the same. Some cater to people with pets, while others are set up for individuals with special needs. It’s vital to know which shelters are available before the storm hits.
Find a list of public shelters in Lee County here.
Collier County also offers specific shelter information on their emergency management page.
3. Prepare Your Hurricane Supply Kit
Having a well-stocked hurricane supply kit is essential for enduring a storm. The supplies you gather should cover at least 72 hours of necessities in the event of a hurricane or flood.
Here are some items to include:
Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
Non-perishable food items
Flashlights and extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Important documents sealed in waterproof bags
Extra cash (ATMs and banks may be down post-storm)
Generator and fuel (if applicable)
Battery-powered radio
For a complete disaster supply list, check out this hurricane supply checklist.
4. Stay Informed and Connected
Staying in the loop is crucial. Make sure to have a way to receive emergency updates, even if the power goes out. Local radio stations, government alert systems, and apps can be your lifeline.
Emergency Contacts:
Emergency Medical Services: 911
Collier County Emergency Hotline: 311 or (239) 252-8444
Lee County Storm Hotline: 211
Florida Price Gouging Hotline: (866) 966-7226
Florida Division of Emergency Management: (850) 815-4000
Office of Congressman Byron Donalds: (202) 225-2536
Be sure to also register with FEMA if you haven't already, and stay tuned into the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.
5. Special Considerations
Pets and Livestock: If you have pets, ensure they are part of your emergency plan. Some shelters will accommodate animals, but you should check which ones allow them. Find more information on pet-friendly planning here.
Generators: If you plan to use a generator, make sure you follow all safety guidelines. Generator misuse can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires, so take extra precautions.
Fuel: Finding fuel during a hurricane can be difficult. You can track fuel availability in Collier County here and in Lee County here.
6. After the Storm
Once the hurricane has passed, it's important to evaluate the damage safely. Avoid downed power lines, inspect your home carefully, and be cautious of floodwaters. Report damage to local authorities, and take pictures for insurance purposes.
If you're affected by a storm, sign up for the Special Needs Registry if you require assistance, and make sure to report any price gouging to the state hotline.
Creative Hurricane Prep Hacks: Thinking Outside the Storm
When a hurricane is approaching, the basic steps—stocking up on water, non-perishable food, and flashlights—are standard protocol. But what if you could take your hurricane prep up a notch with some clever, creative hacks? These tips will not only help you prepare for the storm but also make your post-hurricane life a little easier.
Here are some out-of-the-box ideas to get you ready:
1. Pre-Fill Your Water Containers
If bottled water flies off the shelves, don’t worry! You can pre-fill containers you already have at home to ensure you have a supply of fresh water. Think outside the water bottle:
Mason jars: Fill these with water and store them in the fridge. They’re sturdy, reusable, and can be used for other purposes after the storm.
Tupperware: Fill any unused containers with water and freeze them. They’ll double as ice packs when the power goes out, keeping your fridge cool longer.
Bathtub: Fill your bathtub with water to use for washing or flushing toilets.
2. Prepare DIY Ice Packs
Power outages often mean everything in the freezer and fridge is at risk. Here’s how to extend their life:
Freeze plastic bags of water: Gallon-sized freezer bags or ziplocks filled with water make great, space-efficient ice packs. As they melt, they provide extra drinking water, too!
Freeze wet sponges: Stick some wet sponges in ziplock bags and freeze them. They can be used as reusable ice packs or to clean up water post-storm.
3. Use Your Washing Machine as a Waterproof Storage Bin
This might be the most underrated hurricane hack out there. Your washing machine is waterproof, and in the event of a flood, it will help protect important items from getting soaked.
Store important documents, dry clothes, blankets, or even non-perishable food inside it before the storm hits. Once it's closed, it becomes an instant waterproof vault!
4. Turn Your Dishwasher into a Safe Storage Space
Surprisingly, a dishwasher is also water-tight. Just make sure it’s empty and dry before using it as storm storage.
Store photo albums, electronics, and valuables inside to keep them safe from potential flooding.
If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, check its storage capacity ahead of time.
5. Fill Your Fridge with Extra Containers of Water
An empty fridge warms up faster when the power goes out, so fill it up with containers of water. These will act as thermal masses, keeping the inside colder for longer.
Empty milk jugs or soda bottles work great for this purpose—just don’t overfill them, as water expands when it freezes.
6. Unplug Electronics and Power Down Early
Before the storm even starts, unplug electronics that aren’t in use to avoid damage from power surges. You can go a step further:
Power down big appliances like your TV, gaming systems, or computers early and store them in waterproof spaces (dishwasher, washing machine).
Charge all devices and consider using a power bank for your phones.
7. Stock Your Car for a Quick Evacuation
If an evacuation order comes through, you’ll want to leave quickly. Make sure your car is ready ahead of time:
Keep it filled with fuel, and pack an emergency car kit with non-perishable food, water, blankets, and a first aid kit.
Throw a couple of old blankets or tarps in the trunk in case you need to protect valuables from rain if you’re on the go.
8. Keep Solar Chargers Handy
When the power goes out, those with solar chargers will be the real winners. Invest in a solar-powered phone charger to keep your devices charged without electricity. If you already have one, make sure it's fully charged before the storm.
9. Use Pill Organizers for Small Essentials
If you're staying home, use pill organizers to store small but essential items like medication, batteries, thumb drives, or even cash. These little things often get misplaced, and having them organized in one place can save a lot of hassle during an emergency.
10. Prepare a “Blackout Bag” for Easy Access
Keep a bag with everything you’ll need when the power goes out in a handy location. Include items like:
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Battery-powered fans
Candles and matches (stored in a waterproof container)
Snacks
Your DIY ice packs!
This way, if the power goes out unexpectedly, you don’t have to rummage around in the dark looking for your emergency supplies.
11. Seal Important Documents in Waterproof Bags
Put important documents, like your passport, insurance papers, and deeds, in ziplock bags or waterproof containers. You can store them in your dishwasher, washing machine, or freezer to ensure they stay dry, no matter what.
12. Use Your Cooler for Fridge Overflow
If your fridge is packed with perishables, you might not have space for extra ice packs or water containers. Use a cooler as an overflow spot for food that you’ll need immediately, and pack it with ice. That way, your fridge can stay sealed for longer and preserve the more critical items.
By thinking creatively, you can make hurricane prep much smoother, and life without power a little more bearable. These hacks ensure you make the most of what you already have on hand, while safeguarding what matters most. Stay safe, stay smart, and don’t forget to prepare for both the big and little things that come with hurricane season!
Preparation is the key to staying safe during hurricane season. Stay calm, stay informed, and stay ready. With the right planning, you can weather any storm that comes your way. Stay safe, Naples!
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