Jun 1, 2005

INFORMATION RELEASE 

Media Contact: Heather O'Connell
                        (239) 461-2924 or hoconnell@leegov.com

Free Hurricane Seminars at Your Library

FORT MYERS, FL (June 1, 2005) -The Lee County Library System is hosting several Hurricane Preparedness Seminars presented by Lee County Emergency Management.

Whether you've lived in Florida through many hurricane seasons or are new to the area, attend a free seminar at the library near you and learn about:

          Hurricane weather facts
          Understanding forecasts
          Hurricane hazards
          Precautions you can take to protect your life, your pets and your property
          How Emergency Management can serve you
 
There will also be a question-and-answer session during each seminar. The events will be held at a number of locations:
 
2 p.m. Friday, June 17
North Fort Myers Public Library
2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE
North Fort Myers
Call (239) 997-0320
 
7 p.m. Thursday, June 23
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library
921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral
Call (239) 542-3953
 
7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28
East County Regional Library
881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres
Call (239) 461-7300
 
7 p.m. Monday, July 11
Lakes Regional Library
15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers
Library Opens- Saturday, June 18
Call (239) 533-4000 starting June 18
 
7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13
South County Regional Library
21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero
Call (239) 390-3200
 
7 p.m. Thursday, July 14
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library
2050 Central Avenue
Call (239) 479-4635

In addition to hosting the seminars, libraries provide information and resources to help before and after storms, according to Heather O'Connell, Lee County Library System's Community Relations Coordinator.

"Before a storm, patrons can use Internet access computers to track storm progress online, visit the emergency management website, and find shelters and hotels. It's also a good idea to stock up on books in case of power outages." O'Connell said.

O'Connell said libraries around the state filled a vital need in the aftermath of last year's storms.

"Many people who were without power and phone service in their homes went to their library and used Internet access computers to e-mail their relatives and contact insurance companies. Patrons also used libraries to find information on recovery assistance." O'Connell said.

To register for a Hurricane Seminar, call or visit your library. For more information, call Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636).
All programs are free and open to the public. A sign language interpreter is available with 48-hour notice. Call the Deaf Service Center at (239) 461-0334 (voice) or (239) 461-0438 (TTY). Assistive listening devices are available upon request.

For more library programs and events, please check the Lee County Library System's Web site at www.lee-county.com/library or pick up an events calendar on your next visit. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

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