Seminar covers what to do before, during and after a storm
The city of Sanibel held its annual Hurricane Seminar last week, which featured a panel of experts.
Taking place on June 17 at BIG ARTS on Sanibel, it provided residents, business owners and visitors with information on preparing for, surviving through and recovering from a storm. Free and open to the community, the seminar consisted of a lineup of speakers, followed by a question-and-answer period.
Prior to the event, the Sanibel police had its Emergency Response Vehicle on display for the public.
“Plan, plan, plan,” City Manager Judie Zimomra said. “Be flexible, be flexible, be flexible.”
Dave Roberts, the city’s weather consultant, explained that the islands have directly been impacted by three major storms in recent years — Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Irma — with the state at more.
“We stick out like a sore thumb into the tropics,” he said.
Roberts reported that a Category 1 hurricane is 74 to 95 mph winds, a Category 2 is 96 to 110 mph, a Category 3 is 111 to 129 mph, a Category 4 is 130 to 156 mph, and a Category 5 is over 157 mph.
He explained that storm surge is one big issue for low-lying coastal areas, like the islands.
“Storm surge is a big concern,” Roberts said.
He continued that hurricane season runs from June through November, and that September has traditionally been the peak month for activity. In fact, Sept. 10 is the peak day for the season.
Interim Lee County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi talked about the county’s Emergency Operations Center, which sits at about 32 feet above sea level — a high point within Lee.
“Hurricane season is definitely something we need to keep an eye on,” she said.
Tapfumaneyi explained that storm surge is one of the key factors the county considers when determining whether to call for evacuations. Winds from a storm is another consideration.
She advised attendees to listen to officials and heed calls for an evacuation.
“Evacuations are mandatory,” Tapfumaneyi said. “By law you should be leaving the area.”
She reported that Sanibel and Captiva are located in Zone A, which is the first one called.
Tapfumaneyi outlined the county’s recommended evacuation plans: Plan A, stay home only if it is safe; Plan B, stay with family or friends located outside of the evacuation zone; Plan C, stay at a hotel; and Plan D, stay at an emergency shelter. She added that Plan A is usually not a great option for the islands.
“The best thing to do would be to leave just so you’re on the safe side,” Tapfumaneyi said.
She noted that Irma had initially been tracking toward the area before it turned.
“Sanibel likely would have been under water,” Tapfumaneyi said.
She added that having a plan reduces the chance of ending up at a shelter — the last resort.
“They are a lifeboat,” Tapfumaneyi said of shelters. “They are not a cruise ship.”
She covered what to do before and after a storm, from clearing one’s yard of potential flying debris and turning off the emergency water shut-off value when evacuating, to avoiding drinking tap water and steering clear of dangling power lines. Tapfumaneyi also talked about generators and using them safely.
For information on before, during and after a storm, visit www.leeeoc.com or the EOC on Facebook or Twitter. The public should also sign up for AlertLee, and there is a Lee Prepares phone app available.
Susan Alexander and Maria Espinoza, with F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, talked about the agency’s Hurricane Resource Packet that is available. They also discussed how F.I.S.H. works with the city to track the islands’ most vulnerable before a storm via a list and how it helps with evacuation plans.
“A lot of time and talent goes into this packet every year and every year the information is updated,” Alexander said, adding that those on the list can get assistance with making a plan, supplies and more.
She noted that the only thing the team cannot do is offer off island transport.
“But we will help in every way we can,” Alexander said.
Sanibel Building Department Manager Harold Law reviewed the city’s building codes.
“We’ve been working all year for the next storm,” he said.
Law explained that his team serves two purposes in relation to storm season: to ensure structures can withstand a hurricane through the codes, and to conduct structural safety inspections post-storm.
“We work after the storm,” he said.
Law explained that property owners need flood insurance, while renters need flood insurance to cover their personal belongings. For further information, people can visit https://www.floodsmart.gov/.
Police Chief William “Bill” Dalton reported that the goal behind preparation is to save lives. He recommended getting out cash in advance of a storm, filling up vehicle gas tanks and having a plan.
“The better homes and businesses are prepared, the better our job goes,” Dalton said.
He discussed how re-entry on the islands works following an evacuation, explaining that there are 10 zones. Depending on storm damage, an all-clear is given to return or each zone is cleared one at a time.
Residents and businesses not yet signed up for the Hurricane Reentry Pass Program need to do so.
Community Services Director Keith Williams covered post-storm recovery efforts, which include vegetation removal, the restoration of services and a return to normal as quickly as possible.
“We know that every storm is different and every recovery is going to be different,” he said.
The city will post a video of the seminar at http://www.mysanibel.com/ for viewing at a later date.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email