The start of hurricane season is less than a month away, and on Thursday, the state's director of emergency management was in Fort Myers to make sure the counties are ready.
With what's expected to be an active hurricane season, county officials say that Hurricane Ian taught everyone some lessons.
The official start of hurricane season begins June 1. On Thursday, Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie visited Lee County to meet with area emergency management officials from several counties. The main takeaway was for residents and counties to get ready.
Guthrie warns that residents should have enough essential supplies to be prepared for seven days.
That means begin stocking up now on food and supplies. The state suggests folks wait for the hurricane preparedness holidays to purchase the bulk of their supplies. Tax breaks will be offered from June 1-14, and for the first time ever, the state will offer a second tax holiday to run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 6, the height of hurricane season.
Collier County said it will be able to stockpile more this year after building a 28,000-square-foot storage facility slated to open in a few weeks.
“It will give some capabilities for some early deliveries, supplies and equipment to the community while these other resources are inbound,” Collier County EMA Director Dan Summers said.
Lee County Emergency Management Chief John Schultz said the county is already looking for additional potential shelter sites.
“Any type of parking lots, vacant buildings as a staging area. That is part of our plans and we always look at that,” Schultz said.
During Ian, Lee County used an old North Fort Myers Publix as a shelter. Guthrie predicts an even bigger site could be needed for the next storm.
“I imagine this will happen the next storm that comes off the Gulf, you're probably going to have an over-evacuation, honestly, because of what Hurricane Ian did,” he said.
Guthrie said the state is also contracting with companies to transport goods into the state.
“Barges, planes, helicopters, trucking is another one we're doing now,” he said.
Finally, Guthrie recommended everyone download the 'Alert Florida' app specific to their zip code .
“Yes, we're going to send you alerts. In a disaster, it could be a lot of alerts. But in a disaster, we want to make sure you're getting the verified vetted information,” Guthrie said.
He also suggested residents make sure their vehicle’s tank is always full of fuel or electric vehicles are completely charged. He said everyone should know their home’s wind rating, which can be found on the county property appraiser’s site. Also, it’s important to know your evacuation zone. They are posted below: