Cape Coral Emergency Operations Center prepares for Hurricane Irma

CAPE CORAL, Fla-- Multiple departments throughout Cape Coral are preparing for Hurricane Irma in the event it makes landfall in Southwest Florida. The city is urging residents to do the same.

Cape Coral residents CLICK HERE to stay updated throughout the storm.

Tuesday afternoon, the City of Cape Coral declared a State of Local Emergency. The Emergency Operations Center was activated and staff is focusing on ensuring that the community is as prepared as possible.

The City of Cape Coral does not provide sand or sandbags. Officials say scientific research has proven that sandbags are ineffective at protecting homes from storm surge and that several hundred would be required to protect just one home or business from low level flooding.

There are other actions you can take to prepare you, your family, and your home for an approaching storm. These include:

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
• Put together a go-bag including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information (insurance information, identification, etc.).
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Water recommendations are one gallon per person per day for three days.
• Have contact information for your family members and let others know what your plans are.
• Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall. Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Have a plan for your pet. Make sure they have enough food and that you have records of their vaccinations.
• If you or a family member has special needs and would need assistance getting to a shelter, please register with Lee County by contacting 239-533-0640 or visiting this page.
• For more preparedness information please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes or http://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/plan/ahg.

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