Before entering the Storm Season, being prepared ahead increases safety and decreases stress. The following list is a great overview of what you need to do ahead of time to be sure you are not caught off guard. Hurricane season will be less stressful when you prepare ahead.


Experts stress that you need to hide from the wind, and run from the water. Storm surge is sudden and powerful and not something you can "run from" when it occurs. Evacuation is the only way to escape the dangers of a storm surge.

Important Numbers:

  • Emergency, Fire & Police: 911

  • Sanibel Hurricane Hotline: 1-800-933-6093 (Operational during Emergencies)

  • Sanibel Police Department: 1-239-472-3111

  • Sanibel Fire Department: 1-239-472-5525

  • Lee County Sheriff's Office 1-239-477-1000

  • Lee County Emergency Management: 1-239-533-0622

  • Florida Hurricane Hotline: 1-800-342-3557 (Operational during Emergencies)

  • Florida Highway Patrol: 1-239-344-1730

  • U.S. Coast Guard, Fort Myers Office: 1-239-463-5754

  • American Red Cross: 1-239-278-3401

  • United Way: 211

  • National Weather Service: 1-813-645-2323

  • FEMA Fed. Emergency Mgmt. Agency: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)


Important Websites:


Before the Storm Checklist:

  • Have a comprehensive Disaster / Evacuation Plan

  • Locate a Shelter or Reserve Lodging out of harm's way

  • Plan for people with Special needs and medications

  • Make arrangements for pets that need a Shelter

  • Prepare your boat for winds, strong tides, and surge

  • Secure your Business & Backup all Files

  • Freeze Large Containers with Water as Ice Blocks


Before Hurricane Season Check your Disaster Supplies:

  • Service Your Generator - Have Enough Gas Cans

  • Battery operated Radio

  • 2-Way Radios - Cell Towers Often Go Down

  • Solar Battery Cell Phone Charger

  • Flashlights, Candles, Water-proof matches

  • Extra Batteries

  • Plastic Bags, Tarps & Outdoor Tape

  • First Aid Kit

  • Can Opener - manually operated

  • Bleach and Soap & Hygiene Items

  • Rain gear, Sunscreen & Bug Spray

  • Charcoal, lighter fluid, Aluminum Foil

  • Ice Chest, Disposable plates, cups & utensils

  • Tools Including Shovel, Chain Saw

  • Work Gloves

  • Buckets


Create a "Grab & Go" Emergency Evacuation Box:

  • Insurance Papers

  • Safety Deposit Key

  • Extra set of House and Car Keys

  • Irreplaceable Photos, Negatives, and Videos

  • Cash

  • Medicines and Refill Information

  • Family, Physician, & Pharmacy Phone Numbers

  • Home Inventory with Video or Photo Records


Last Minute Preparation Checklist:

  • Check First Aid and Medical Supplies

  • Refill Prescriptions

  • Fill up on Gas for Cars, Boats, and Generators

  • Fill up Propane Tanks for Gas Grills and Stoves

  • Check your Cash Supply - Power Outages Remove Credit Options

  • Charge Cell Phones

  • Check Ice, Food, and Water Supplies (7 gallons/person)

  • Gather & Secure Tools in a Safe Location

  • Fill Containers and Tub with Water -Turn Freezer and Refrigerator to Coldest Settings

  • Freeze Large Containers with Water as Ice Blocks

  • Place Valuables in Waterproof Containers

  • Post a list for Gas, Electricity & Water Shut-off Locations

  • Turn off Gas, Electricity & Water if Necessary

  • Safeguard Pets with 2 Weeks of Food & Water

  • Bring in all Outdoor Furniture, Grills, Toys & Objects

  • Close Hurricane Shutters or Cover Exposed Glass

  • Secure Boats or Move to Safe Harbor

  • Move Cars to Higher Ground as Needed

  • Move Elevator Cab to the Top Floor

  • Electric Vehicles w/ Lithium-ion Batteries can Ignite after Salt Water Exposure - Prevent Exposure or Move From Structures


If Staying:

  • Locate a Safe Place Away from Exposed Glass

  • Stock the Safe Place with a Mattress, Blankets, Battery operated Radio, Flashlights, Games for Kids, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, & Small supply of Food & Water-

  • Stay Indoors Even During the Calm Eye of a Storm

  • DO NOT use Candles until the Storm has passed!


Insurance Tips:

  • Review all policies with your Insurance Agent to verify adequate coverage and understand your options.

  • Secure coverage as soon as possible. Insurance Companies do not write policies when a named storm is threatening the area.

  • Be aware of the increasing market value of your property when reviewing coverage.

  • The Fort Myers Insurance Commissioner's Service Office 1-239-332-6948 will review Insurance Policies for homeowners. www.FLdfs.com

  • Following a Storm you may wish to hire a Public Adjuster to Negotiate on your Behalf


Lee County Emergency Storm and Hurricane Shelters:

  • Go to Leeeoc.com


Lee County has several Shelters which are equipped for those with special needs. You must pre-qualify as a Special Care patient. Special Care Centers are opened on an as-needed basis. Once one is full, another is opened. Call 239-477-3600 to verify which center is open. Oxygen will be provided at Special Care Centers. You need to bring your portable oxygen unit with extra oxygen if available. Do not bring oxygen concentrators. Special Needs Shelter Application: http://www.leeeoc.com/specialneeds.pdf


Pet-Friendly Shelters:

  • You must pre-register your pet to reserve space in a pet-friendly shelter.


If Evacuating: Do not get on the road without an evacuation destination! Map your evacuation route before you leave. Lee County Recommends the Following Evacuation Routes based on the Storm’s Path.

  • Hurricane is making Landfall in Southwest Florida: If you leave early, drive north to Central Florida If you leave late, drive south and east to Southeast Florida

  • Hurricane is making Landfall in the Tampa Bay Area: If you leave early travel south then east to Southeast Florida If you leave late, travel south to South Florida or stay in Lee County

  • Hurricane is crossing the State from the East coast on the south side region: If you leave early, travel north to Central Florida If you leave late, stay in Lee County

  • Hurricane is crossing the state from the East Coast on the N. Side of the region: Stay in Lee County

  • Hurricane is moving parallel to the west coast of Florida: Travel south and then east to Southeast Florida.


Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale: The Saffir-Simpson Scale is a 1 to 5 category rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. The category is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast. Wind speed determines the category rating.

  • Category One Hurricane: Winds of 74–95 mph (119-153 km/hr) Surge generally 4-5 feet above normal.

  • Category Two Hurricane: Winds of 96–110 mph (154-177 km/hr) Surge generally 6-8 feet above normal.

  • Category Three Hurricane: Winds of 111–130 mph (178-209 km/hr) Surge generally 9-12 feet above normal.

  • Category Four Hurricane: Winds of 131–155 mph (210-249 km/hr) Surge generally 13-18 feet above normal.

  • Category Five Hurricane: Winds exceeding 155 mph (249 km/hr) Surge can exceed 18 feet above normal.


Pfeifer Realty Group provides printed hurricane preparation pocket guides to place in your disaster kit. We are happy to place one for you in the mail anytime.


Thank you for reading this article. We welcome your questions and look forward to the opportunity to earn your business and help you achieve your real estate goals. Give us a call anytime to discuss current market conditions and how they may affect your goals.