Fort Myers, Fla. (September 26, 2022) — Hurricane Ian has formed and is expected to strengthen to a major hurricane, with a projected landfall along the Florida Gulf Coast midweek. Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches have already been issued for parts of the area. The American Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter has been preparing in advance of impacts in our area and urges residents to monitor closely, to stay alert, to be prepared and to stay safe.
“It is critical to take the necessary precautions to keep you and your families safe. This includes monitoring local news and updates from local emergency management regarding weather conditions and evacuation orders” said Jill Palmer, Executive Director, American Red Cross Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter. “Risks from this powerful storm could include high winds, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, power outages and tornadoes.”
See the important hurricane safety information below:
Know the difference between a hurricane watch and warning.
Get your home ready.
Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio or news channel for the latest updates. Obey evacuation orders from local officials.
Don’t forget your pets.
As storm approaches, stay indoors. Avoid beaches, riverbanks and floodwaters.
Evacuation Center vs Shelter
In addition to being Red Cross Ready, it's imperative to keep in mind that there is an essential distinction between pre-storm evacuation shelters and post-storm shelters
Pre-storm evacuation shelters provide a safe place to stay for those who have been ordered to evacuate their homes prior to a storm. They typically are only meant to house people for 12-72 hours until the storm moves through. Because these shelters must open quickly, it may not be possible to provide a cot and blanket for each person and it may not be practical to move in supplies for such a short-term.
Post-storm shelters are available for people who have been evacuated and are unable to reach their homes or whose homes are unlivable. Post-storm shelters will open within 72 hours after landfall and provide sleeping support items such as cots, blankets and pillows, meals, shower facilities, medical services and other support services.
What to bring:
Additional Red Cross Resources
Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for real-time weather alerts, open Red Cross shelters, and expert advice on emergency situations. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. You can also enable the Red Cross Hurricane Alert skill on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices to receive warnings about an approaching hurricane and preparedness information.
For more preparedness and safety resources, visit redcross.org/prepare.
Red Cross also encourages local residents to learn about ways to volunteer in the event of needs post storm. Visit redcross.org/SFLvolunteer to see opportunities and register.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.