‘Make Mitigation Happen Workshop’ Tuesday
Cape Coral residents can learn how to make their homes safer from the next hurricane, while finding out how to save money on their homeowner’s insurance premium, through an upcoming event.
The Cape Coral Fire Depart-ment is hosting a “Make Mitigation Happen Workshop” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers at Cape Coral City Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Cape Coral residents to learn ways to make their homes safer against wind hazards, including tropical storms and hurricanes,” Emergency Management Coordin-ator Jesse Spearo said.
Attendees will learn the differences between various hurricane shutters, roof deck water barriers, hurricane straps and roof tie-downs. Impact glass windows will also be covered, and participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of wind resistant doors and reinforced garage doors.
“This basically teaches you that and why it’s cost effective to take these actions rather than wait until you become a victim of a hurricane,” he said.
Spearo noted that mitigating a home can help lower one’s insurance premium. For example, he personally saved about $3,000 annually on his homeowner’s insurance with a few changes.
“By implementing such activities, you’re increasing the value of your home – you’re making it safer,” he said. “If you do these things up front, you can save long term.”
The workshop will consist of a presentation, along with an interactive session. Examples of the building materials discussed will be on hand and there will be demonstrations on how to use them.
“You actually get to see what it is that you would have put onto your home,” Spearo said.
A question-and-answer period will follow.
“The more people that are able to take this class, learn about these opportunities and apply them, the safer the city of Cape Coral will be,” he said.
The department hosted the same workshop about two months ago during the afternoon hours and about 30 people attended. Afterward, officials received requests for another workshop, but in the evening.
Spearo pointed out that several participants reported going home and using what they learned.
“We actually had people that walked away from the last workshop where they went out and mitigated their home,” he said.
The workshop has previously been offered within Lee County, but not in the Cape.
“This is the first time that this has been offered here,” Spearo said.
A recent transplant from Palm Beach County, where he worked as a mitigation coordinator, Spearo brought the workshop to the attention of the Cape department and suggested that it host it.
“I really believe that mitigation is one of the best tools that people can use to make their lives better and their community safer,” he said. “This is a proactive approach to making your home and the community more disaster resilient.”
Those interested in attending the next workshop are asked to register, but it is not a requirement.
“If they don’t register, they can still show up,” Spearo said.
For more information or to register for the Make Mitigation Happen Workshop, visit online at: www.bereadyflorida.org or contact the Cape Coral Fire Department at 239-242-3611.
Spearo encouraged people to visit the Be Ready Florida website, regardless.
“There is a wealth of information that is on there, not only for wind but for fire, floods, lightening, tornadoes,” he said.
Cape Coral City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.