Southwest Florida innovations showcased at hurricane prep convention

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — Companies from across the country gathered at a hurricane preparedness convention, where some of the biggest innovations were born right here in Southwest Florida.

Mark Crabtree says Zero Flood started in Cape Coral after Hurricane Ian. The company now offers a custom flood barrier designed to fit any doorway.

"It's a shame this product wasn't around for Ian," Crabtree said.

"I know loads, tens and tens of people who got flooded out, lost their homes, some have sold and moved out," Crabtree said. "We needed a product that could protect them, and that's essentially how we started."

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The barrier works by wedging into a doorway opening and inflating at the bottom, creating a seal that prevents water from entering. Crabtree explained the barrier pushes down in all three directions, sealing both 90-degree corners.

"At 15 pounds of pressure, you could swing on this; you will not get it out of the opening," Crabtree said.

Zero Flood has installed its product in the Turtle Club on Vanderbilt Beach and in 80 to 100 homes on Sanibel. The barriers provide peace of mind for neighbors across the region.

Private companies aren't the only ones preparing for hurricane season. Punta Gorda Fire Rescue attended the convention to explore new equipment and strategies.

"We attend every year just to kind of catch up, meet some new vendors, get ideas on ways that we can better prepare for the next storms," Chief Holden Gibbs said.

The department's latest addition is a high-water rescue vehicle equipped with 63-inch tires and room for six people. The truck can navigate areas previously unreachable during floods.

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"It's going to allow us to get into those areas where we couldn't normally reach," Gibbs said. "We've gotten other high-water trucks, but this one can actually go anywhere."

The vehicle also floats if it drives into a ditch, allowing crews to continue rescues without losing time. A pull-out gurney completes the setup for transporting victims.

"It could be the difference between life and death for someone," Gibbs said.

The convention highlights the importance of having the right tools and gear ready before a storm strikes. First responders hope they won't need to use the new equipment, but they're prepared if they do.

"I hope we don't have to use it, but it's nice to know we have it," Gibbs said. "And we will definitely be training on it the rest of the summer."