Hurricane Safety:

  1. How do we know if it is safe for us to stay in our home during a hurricane?

Answer: If you are ordered to evacuate, then it is not safe for you to stay in your home. Make sure your home is not vulnerable to storm surge and inspect your home to be sure it is safe.  Make sure your roof is strong and well attached. Protect your windows from objects blown by the wind.

  2. What supplies should we have on hand?

Answer: Food and water, identification, insurance policies, other important papers, medicines and prescriptions, some cash and a full tank of gas. You can find a list of emergency supplies on the Lee County Emergency Operation Center’s website at www.LeeEOC.com

  3. How much food or water do we need?

Answer: Have food that does not need to be cooked or refrigerated. Have at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person each day for three to five days.

  4. What important papers should we have in our emergency kit?

Answer: Bring identification, insurance policies, deed and tax papers, marriage license and important medical papers.

  5. How can I find out if there is a shelter open near my home?

Answer: There is a list of shelters in the All Hazards Guide. This can be obtained at Fire Station Four at 27701 Bonita Grande Drive or you may visit www.LeeEOC.com. Not all shelters are open for all events.  Listen to local radio and television stations to find the location of an open shelter near you.

  6. I don’t drive, how will I get to the shelter?

Brush Fire Safety:

  1. What is Defensible Space and how does it affect my home?

Answer: The objective of Defensible Space is to reduce the wildfire treat to your home. Here are ways to do that:

· Lean– Prune shrubs and cut back tree branches, especially within 15 feet of your chimney.

· Clean– Remove all dead plant material from around your home and gutters; this includes dead leaves, dry grass and even stacked firewood.

· Green– Plant fire-resistant vegetation that is healthy and green throughout the year.

  2. Should I have an escape plan for Brush Fires?

Answer: Residents will need to leave their homes if a brush fire is threatening their area. Sometimes this will need to be done suddenly and without haste. Here are ways to prepare:

· Always dial 911 if you see a column of smoke.

· Decide where you will go and how you will get there. Unlike a hurricane, you won’t have much notice before you are required to evacuate. Two escape route out of your home and neighborhood are advisable.

· Have a plan for your pets. Where will they go. If you are not home when a brush fire threatens your neighborhood, is there a neighbor that can access your pets for you?

· Keep a disaster kit in your vehicle. If you are displaced for more than a few hours, you will need medicine and important papers, not to mention clothing, food and water. Keep extras of all of these items in a “Go Kit”.

  3. What is the best way to ensure a fire-resistant home?

Answer: Constructing your home with fire-wise materials is the best way to have a fire resistant home. Fore your roof, build with Class-A asphalt shingles, metal, cement and concrete products. A fire-resistant sub-roof

Answer: LeeTran offers special evacuation bus routes during hurricane preparation. Specific bus stops will indicate emergency pick-up points. Additionally, transportation may be available to you through the Special Needs Shelter.

  7. What is the difference between a Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning?

Answer: A storm is categorized as a Hurricane when winds exceed 74 miles per hour. A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible in 36 hours. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are likely in 24 hours.

  8. Do sandbags help and where can I get them?

Answer: If properly used, sandbags can reduce or prevent some flooding problems. However, they are not effective against storm surge. Sand and bags are available for residents to assemble at Fire Station Four at 27701 Bonita Grande Drive prior to a storm.

  9. What should I do if I lose power and I am a FPL customer? What if I am a LCEC customer?

Answer: Contact the agency at (800) 468-8243 for FPL.

(239) 396-4101 or (800) 510-5232 for LCEC.

10. What other information is important for us to know?

Answer: We can best prepare for hurricanes by having a plan. Make sure to have an out-of-town/state destination to evacuate to. Make sure to plan for your pets shelter, food and water needs.

adds protection as well. On exterior construction, wall materials such as cement, plaster, stucco and concrete masonry are advisable. Double pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to wildfire heat and flames. Firefighters have found some vinyl soffits melted allowing embers into the attic space. Decks, porches or fences should also be fire-resistant.

  4. How can we store our possessions safely?

Answer: A recommended 30-60 feet between your home and combustible objects is desirable. Store your boat, camper, wood or other combustible items away from your home. This creates defensive space. 10-20 pound propane gas tanks are able to be stored on your patio or in your garage. If it is a fixed propane tank, fire codes will not allow you to store them close to your home.

  5. What other information is important for us to know?

Answer: You may obtain more information at these websites:

· www.fl-dof.com

· www.firewise.org

· www.flash.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HURRICANE OR BRUSH FIRE PREPARATION. CONTACT YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT AT

239-949-6200.