Preparation remains key for any potential storm during hurricane season

Grocery stores in Southwest Florida said a lack of urgency for Tropical Storm Dorian is apparent. Parking lots are empty. We spoke to people to see if they plan on gearing up. And a local fire department reminds us all that preparedness is key for any storm during hurricane season.

The manager at a Winn-Dixie grocery store on Marco Island said it seems like no one is preparing Monday for the potential effects of a storm.

“Well, I haven’t been doing any preparing yet,” said Jim Carlin on Marco. “But now that I met you, I think I’m gonna start preparing for it.”

Many people have shared similar responses on Marco Island. Anthony Feola has lived on Marco for 20 years and has witnessed what mother nature can do.

“I’m not too nervous about it,” Feola said. “It seems like it’s going to be more in the East Coast, but we know from Irma that doesn’t really mean anything.”

In Naples, fire rescue is preparing to utilize its newest emergency operations center. Chief Pete DiMaria hopes people listened to advice from City of Naples Fire Rescue to always be prepared.

“I think Hurricane Irma opened up everyone’s eyes,” DiMaria said. “And realize that if they’re not prepared, they’re going to be stuck in a bad situation.”

In 2017, Naples Fire Rescue had to hand out pallets of water those who weren’t prepared.

Other tips include reminders to trim bushes and potentially hazardous tree branches to avoid damage to homes. And it’s important to bring outside furniture and other items indoors.

Carlin, who experience Irma on Marco, knows how hard it can be to recover.

“It took a long time,” Carlin said. “The power was off here for a long time. And the other thing was the grocery stores closed down. It was hard to get supplies, so it’s important to have food medicine”