Preparing For Approaching Storm Ian

If you have been watching the weather, you know Southwest Florida is in the center of the latest hurricane cone. The infamous cone of uncertainty. Preparing for approaching storm Ian is something to consider as the storm gets closer. Sunday night, Ian became a full blown hurricane. It is expected to strengthen even more once it gets into the gulf.

Keep checking back and we will keep you updated.

Now, if you are a longtime resident, you are probably saying "I got this." But it never hurts to take inventory of supplies and such.

There are so many new residents to Southwest Florida. If that is you, it is important for you to think ahead a little bit. The big thing here is not to panic. ANYTHING can happen between now and the beginning of next week when the weather is predicted to hit us. Meteorologists tell us the storm can weaken, it can wobble and veer away from us. However, it can strengthen and head right toward our coastline.

So the waiting game begins. Always the fun part. First thing is first, double check basic supplies that you might need if the power goes out. Next, check the supplies for a hurricane party. It's a right of passage for Floridians.

Preparing for approaching storm (soon to be named) Ian is pretty easy. Click here for our official Hurricane Guide. Check for storm updates here.

Make sure the batteries in your flashlights work. Also in your portable radios so you can stay connected to us if the power goes out.

This includes things liked canned foods, peanut butter, granola bars and such. Also, if you have kids or babies, make sure you have enough formula on hand.

The recommendation for clean drinking water, just in case, is one gallon per day per family member. You can always fill jugs and pitchers you have if the storm gets closer and you don't have enough. Or fill your sinks with water.

Another precaution in case you are without power for any length of time. Fill those generators and top off the tank of your car as the storm gets closer.

It's a good chance you might need to do this anyway. Pick up random things lying around your yard or house. They can become missiles in strong winds.

Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn't mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin's Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.

Lee County:

Emergency Operations Center 239-533-0622

Bonita Springs YMCA – Bonita Springs

Island Coast High School – Cape Coral

Estero Recreation Center – Estero

Germain Arena – Estero

South Fort Myers High School (Pet Friendly) – Fort Myers

E. Lee County High School (Pet Friendly) – Lehigh Acres

Harns Marsh Elementary School – Lehigh Acres

Harns Marsh Middle School – Lehigh Acres

Mirror Lakes Elementary School – Lehigh Acres

Varsity Lakes Middle School – Lehigh Acres

Veterans Park Recreation Center – Lehigh Acres

Collier County

Emergency Operations Center: 239-252-3600

Highlands Elementary School – Immokalee

Immokalee Friendship House – Immokalee

Immokalee High School – Immokalee

Immokalee Middle School – Immokalee

Pinecrest Elementary School – Immokalee

Village Oaks Elementary – Immokalee

Barron Collier High School – Naples

Big Cypress Elementary – Naples

Corkscrew Elem/Middle School – Naples

Cypress Palm Middle School – Naples

Golden Gate Intermediate School – Naples

Golden Gate Middle School – Naples

Golden Gate High School – Naples

Golden Terrace Intermediate School – Naples

Gulf Coast Intermediate School – Naples

Gulf Coast High School – Naples

Laurel Oak Elementary School – Naples

Lely High School – Naples

Mike Davis Elementary School

Naples High School

North collier Regional Park (Pet Friendly) – Pre-registration is required

North Naples Middle School

Oakridge Middle School

Palmetto Ridge High School – Special Needs

Pelican Marsh Elementary

Sable Palm Elementary School

St. Matthews House

Veterans Community Park

Vineyards Elementary School

Charlotte County

Emergency Operations Center: 941-833-4000

*All Charlotte County shelters are now Pet Friendly

Lemon Bay High School – Englewood

Myakka River Elementary School – Englewood

Kingsway Elementary School – Port Charlotte

Liberty Elementary School – Port Charlotte

Meadow Park Elementary School – Port Charlotte

Murdock Middle School – Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte High School – Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte Middle School – Port Charlotte

Sallie Jones Elementary School -Punta Gorda

South County Regional Park -Punta Gorda

L.A. Ainger MIddle School – Rotonda

Vineland Elementary School – Rotonda

Hendry County

Emergency Operations Center: 863-674-5400

Central Elementary School – Clewiston

Clewiston High School – Clewiston

Clewiston Middle School (Primary Shelter) – Clewiston

Eastside Elementary School – Clewiston

Westside Elementary School – Clewiston

Country Oaks Elementary School – LaBelle

LaBelle Elementary School – LaBelle

LaBelle High School – LaBelle

LaBelle Middle School (Primary Shelter) – LaBelle

Glades County

Emergency Operations Center: 863-946-6020

Buckhead Ridge VFW – Buckhead Ridge

Maple Grove Baptist Church – Lakeport

Glades County Health Department (Special Needs) – Moore Haven

Moore Haven High School – Moore Haven

Muse Community Assn. – Muse

West Glades Elementary (Special Needs) – Muse

Desoto County

Emergency Operations Center – 863-993-4831

Desoto Middle School -Arcadia

South Florida State College (Special Needs) -Arcadia

Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.

Steps to take:

Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.

Steps to take:

Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.