To the Residents and Visitors of Southwest Florida,

The 2022 Hurricane Season is upon us. Last year’s season brought 21 named storms, the third busiest on record. Although we came out relatively unscathed, our brush with Hurricane Elsa’s heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of our area in early July. Then in December and January, a pair of powerful storm systems reminded everyone that we face tornado risks, as well. For that reason, this All Hazards Guide comes with an enhanced section on tornadoes with a special focus on communities with manufactured homes. 

We encourage you to use our helpful notification tools to stay informed about storm threats, preparedness, evacuation and shelter information. You can download the LeePrepares app free on iPhone or Android devices for easy-to-access updates once the Emergency Operations Center is activated. This happens when we are in the probable path of an oncoming storm. You can visit www.AlertLee.com to receive calls, emails, or texts about significant emergencies. This includes vital safety information. If you are new to the area, or have lived here a while and simply want to refresh your preparedness planning, we have preparedness materials and a series of short instructional videos available online at www.leegov.com/Hurricane. These cover everything from making your plan ahead of a major storm to the recovery process that follows. With quizzes and a printable Certificate of Completion, these videos are a great way to learn from our Emergency Management experts at any time that is convenient for you. 

We encourage you to prepare early this season, keeping in mind the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will begin issuing regular Tropical Weather Outlooks on May 15, about two weeks before the official start of the Hurricane Season. This is because we now see storms frequently forming in May. Preparing today is the best approach. Make a simple Family Emergency Plan at www.LeeEOC.com. Put together your Disaster Supply Kit. To get ready for any possible evacuation, make solid plans to stay with family or friends outside of the immediate area. A public shelter is not a comfortable experience. Follow the recommendations in these pages to point you toward potentially lifesaving information before, during and after a disaster. 

Response and recovery involves the entire community and is everyone’s responsibility. At Lee County Public Safety, we ask that you and your family do your part by creating a “Culture of Preparedness” at home. Share this information with your friends and neighbors. By planning ahead, you can be sure that your stress level will be lower, outcomes better, and that you will recover more quickly.

Thank you and be prepared,

Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Director
Lee County Emergency Management

2675 Ortiz Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33905
(239) 533-0622 

 

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