Hurricane Preparation
While SWFL rarely or never has blizzards, mud slides, dust storms, and
tornadoes, it can have hurricanes. Fortunately, Collier and Lee County
are two of the most protected areas in the whole state. Most hurricanes
hit Florida’s east coast, or the west coast from Tampa northward and
over to the Gulf coast approaching Alabama. The Atlantic hurricane
season covers the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico
and runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity occurring
between mid-August and mid-October.
Evacuation
The best strategy is often to simply leave the area, but we recommend
that you still do preparations as if you will be here during the storm
or afterwards when utilities may be out. Evacuating from south Florida
is a challenge due to the peninsula geography and the limited
north/south roads. If you do evacuate, do so at least 5 days in advance
to avoid slow traffic and so that you can easily find accommodations in
Georgia, North Carolina, or wherever you choose to stop. Flying out is
even better; go take an unplanned vacation. Predicting the intensity of
the storm is also difficult. Despite modern methodology, weather
forecasters can be wrong about the storm rating and path of a hurricane.
Storms sometimes substantially increase in strength within a few hours,
sand can make sharp turns, as Hurricane Charley did to Punta Gorda in
2004.
Window Coverings
If your home was recently built or the windows replaced, you likely have
storm windows that are rated for 155mph winds. You can feel fairly safe
without additional window coverings. However, many homes were built
earlier and have windows rated for a lower wind speed, so you may wish
to consider putting plywood over the windows. If you are going to use
plywood, you should purchase and have them cut to size in advance.
Alternatively, some homes have attachable or roll down hurricane
shutters, which can be put on prior to the arrival of the storm. These
are much easier than plywood The disadvantage of plywood or most
shutters (as compared to storm windows) is they make the house very
dark, although there are semi- clear shutters available. If you have
electric shutters, it is recommended that you put them down 24 hours in
advance of the storm. You could lose electricity before the storm
actually reaches our area.
