Cape Coral emergency manager urges residents to prepare as hurricane season begins

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)— Hurricane season starts Monday, and first responders have been preparing for months to make sure Southwest Florida is ready.

Cape Coral's emergency manager says essential staff were called to the Emergency Operations Center to go over the plan for hurricane season. Ryan Lamb, Cape Coral's emergency management director, says it's all about having a plan before it's too late.

Hurricane Ian was almost four years ago, but the lessons from that day are still front of mind for Cape Coral residents. One of the biggest lessons learned is the importance of having a plan.

"It was a huge, huge, huge reality check for us," said Agustin Suarez.

That's Ryan Lamb's job—prepare for the worst all the time. He wants to make sure residents have a plan too.

"We always want to be prepared as we enter hurricane season," said Lamb.

Lamb says residents should have enough water, medication and food for at least three days. It's also important to know what evacuation zone you're in, as that could determine if you have to leave during a storm.

"Shelters are a last resort, they're there for individuals that don't have the resources or absolutely need them," said Lamb.

Dennis and Terry Craig of Cape Coral lived through Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Ian.

"We are more prepared this time around," said Terry Craig.

They bought a generator, emergency lights - and are ready to evacuate if they need to. 

Nancy Ramos, a homebuilder, used tape, sandbags and foam to seal her home during Hurricane Helene and Milton. Ramos said it's been hard to get insurance over the past couple of years - but just got a new plan. 

"Panicking at the end when you think something is coming and you're trying to get on the road later is a really bad idea," Ramos said. "Just prepare ahead of time and have a plan."

Neissel Blasco says she's already got bottled water, food and some family nearby to help if needed.

"Definitely have your car full with gas, because you might have to travel," said Blasco.

Cape Coral plans to host a Hurricane Preparedness Expo at the German-American Social Club on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. WINK Meteorologist Katie Walls will offer a special presentation with insights on hurricane forecasting and preparedness.