Guest commentary: Prepare now for hurricane season
As we approach the start of hurricane season on June 1, I want to take a moment to encourage all of our residents to begin preparing now. For many of you, this is a familiar process, but we also have new members of our community who may be experiencing their first Florida hurricane season. No matter your level of experience, early preparation is one of the most important steps you can take to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe.
The city of Sanibel will be hosting our annual Hurricane Seminar on May 29, which is a great opportunity to hear directly from local experts and learn more about what to expect this season. In the meantime, I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to help you prepare. If you do not already have a Hurricane Reentry Pass, now is the time to apply — do not wait until a storm is approaching. Take time to develop or review your family emergency plan, sign up for AlertLee to receive real-time emergency notifications, and consider whether you or a loved one may benefit from Lee County’s Special Needs Program, which provides sheltering and transportation assistance during a storm.
It is also important to remember the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists the entire city as a Special Flood Hazard Area. Flooding remains one of the most dangerous aspects of any storm, and many flood related fatalities involve a vehicle. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Our department is committed to supporting this community before, during, and after any storm. We encourage you to stay informed, have a plan, and reach out if you have questions. By preparing early and looking out for one another, we can continue to keep Sanibel safe and resilient throughout hurricane season.
Some helpful resources include:
– Hurricane Reentry Pass Information
https://www.mysanibel.com/522/Hurricane-Re-Entry-Passes
– AlertLee Emergency Notifications
– Lee County Emergency Management (All Hazards Guide and Family Plan)
– Special Needs Program Registration
https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/shelters/specialneedsprogram
William Dalton is police chief for the Sanibel Police Department. For more information, visit https://www.mysanibel.com/283/Police.