This year National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 4 through May 10, but if you’ve missed it, it’s not too late to prepare for the upcoming Florida hurricane season. The official season runs from June 1 through November 30.
But what does being prepared actually mean? Well, reading through this entire article is a step in the right direction as you start getting ready for whatever powerful summer weather comes our way.
Detailed Planning
One reliable source of detailed information that you can access at the HOA website is the Herons Glen Emergency Preparedness Plan issued by the Security, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness
(SSEP) Committee. Here is the direct link:
https://hggcc.com/hghoa/pdfs/ssep/emergency_plan.pdf.
This HG Plan incorporates information from Lee County (also available at their website, http:/leegov.com/hurricane). Additional information is also available through the State of Florida in conjunction with the National Weather Service at their website,
http://weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan.
Regardless of what information you consult and your degree of pre-planning, it is necessary to realize that being prepared will take time and energy on your part and really must be done BEFORE a hurricane strikes so you already know what you need to know and do.
Seasonal Residents
Prior to the arrival of a storm, it is the responsibility of all residents of Herons Glen to prepare and secure their own property. If you are a winter season resident, your house and yard need to be prepared for the possibility of a storm or hurricane before you leave. This includes assuring your yard and porches are free of any loose objects, such as grills and pottery, which could be blown about by high winds. Securing your windows with storm shutters before you depart is also highly recommended.
Year-Round Residents
For year-round/summer residents of Herons Glen, there are a few more steps in your hurricane preparation:
• Be sure to have a full tank of gas in your car.
• Put aside a gallon of drinking water per person per day of need.
• Assemble a first aid kit.
• Check to assure you have needed prescription drugs and any special medical equipment.
• Have a battery-operated radio and a flashlight available, both with spare batteries.
• Fully charge your cell phone and consider an additional battery pack or power bank.
• Provision canned and nonperishable food and drink items.
• Gather eating utensils, a manual can opener, sanitary care items (toilet paper, etc.), mosquito repellent, plastic bags and containers, and bleach.
• Compile copies of your homeowner’s insurance policies, other important papers (wills, checkbook, tax information, credit cards, etc.), and proof of residency (driver’s license with Herons Glen address, tax receipt, utility bills).
• Consider keeping some cash on hand.
Pet Owners
If you have a pet, securely fasten up-to-date identification on the pet’s collar, carry a photo for identification purposes, have a pet carrier (or leash or harness) to secure the pet if needed, pack food and water, and gather immunization records and medications. The HG SSEP Plan provides additional tips related to pets. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, Lee County will designate a cat- and dog-friendly evacuation center.
Evacuation Orders
It is each individual’s responsibility to comply with voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders. Evacuation decisions are made by the local government based on the severity and characteristics of a storm. Notification is provided through numerous TV and radio stations.
Herons Glen lies in Lee County Evacuation Zone D. It is a good idea to think through an evacuation route in advance, but you’ll need to consider the most current local information before heading out.
If you evacuate, be sure to let family or friends know where you are headed, as well as the HOA or HGRD or Security.
Information about when it is safe to return to Herons Glen will be provided via TV and radio.
HOA Communications
The Herons Glen HOA will also notify residents by email news bulletins, text messaging, community channel, and the official HOA Bulletin Board.
Local Shelters
For those unable to leave the area, Lee County provides shelter, at the North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts (1856 Arts Way) and the North Fort Myers Recreation Center (2000 N. Recreation Park Way off of Business 41, near the library).
While you can’t prevent a hurricane, you can avert or mitigate many of the problems that result from one. As Herons Glen residents who have sheltered through past hurricanes already know, being prepared, helping each other, and sharing information are the best ways to maximize everyone’s safety.
