Stock up on emergency supplies before a hurricane strikes

Supplies are a critical part of every family’s health and safety and should be gathered well in advance of hurricane season each year. Once a storm is imminent, time to shop will be limited, and if supplies are even available, you will have to search for them. It’s advised you have enough supplies to get […]

Healthy hurricane preparation

Staying healthy, no matter what is happening in our environment, can be challenging particularly if we are stressed by nature in the form of a hurricane. No one can completely predict a hurricane season’s events. What we can and should do is be prepared. Knowing we are ready is comforting. More importantly, preparation will bode […]

Tax Free

Disaster Preparedness Tax-Free holiday is underway

Hurricane season starts on June 1 and experts are already closely monitoring an ongoing development at the start. From May 28 through June 10 you can get items you need to be prepared tax-free. The Fort Myers East Home Depot store manager, Michael Quirrenbach said, “generators, flashlights, batteries, tarps, gas, gas cans, those are the […]

Know when to evacuate

Don’t be lulled into a sense of false security: Now is the time to set a plan before the next major hurricane hits Southwest Florida. What to do when a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you […]

Prepare your pets

When a hurricane is blowing in, Florida residents know firsthand how to be prepared and ready for almost anything the wind and rain brings. Your family preparedness needs to also include your pets. As the saying goes, prepare for the worst and make sure your pets are included in those plans. Leaving your pets behind […]

The storm is over, now what?

Relief supplies and other aid will be arriving as quickly as possible following a major hurricane. Insurance companies will send special disaster teams, as will the state and federal governments and a host of private organizations. It is very important to understand that it may take several days for them to arrive at the disaster […]

10 questions for assisted living/nursing care facilities

From the Lee County Department of Public Safety: Does the facility have an approved Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan? If yes, may I see a copy of the approval letter? If no, ask them why, as it is required. Do you maintain a minimum 72-hour supply of food, water, medications, etc. for each resident? Do you […]

Twitter accounts to follow this hurricane season

You already know to trust WINK News Weather Authority with our local forecast and local impacts, but you can also use many other social media accounts to prepare as well. If you’re on Twitter, follow these accounts so you can get updates and safety information during the most dangerous season of the year. WINK News@winknews […]

The dangers of electricity

What should I do after a storm has passed? Although the storm has passed, there are many dangers that still exist. Take the proper precautions to prevent further crisis. Play it safe and focus on yourself, family, neighbors and emergency workers during cleanup and repair. If you have any doubts about safety, err on the […]

Stay alert to storm advisories

If you live in an area that is placed under mandatory evacuation orders, your local emergency management officials have determined that it is unsafe to weather the storm in your home. Whenever possible, pack up and move your family to safety. Ideally, you will have made arrangements with family or friends who reside outside the […]