Be Prepared For Tropical Storm Helene

Prepare for Tropical Storm Helene

Courtesy of the Lee County Government, below is information and resources to be prepared for Tropical Storm Helene:

Lee County Government is actively monitoring the tropics and officials will discuss planning and preparation for Tropical Storm Helene at noon today. Viewers can watch the media briefing live on Facebook, YouTube or LeeTV.

With heightened tropical activity, it is important for residents to take steps to prepare as we move through the remainder of this hurricane season.

Stay informed:

• Monitor local media outlets, the National Weather Service-Tampa, and the National Hurricane Center.
• Sign up for AlertLee, an emergency notification system that keeps you informed through phone, text, and/or email.
• Download the LeePrepares app from Google Play or the App Store.
• Follow Lee County Government and Lee County Public Safety on social media.
• Bookmark www.leegov.com. If a storm is approaching, Lee County Government will continuously update the website with relevant information.

Have a plan:

• Review your Evacuation Zone and Flood Zone. Review the All Hazards Guide.
• Double check your Family Emergency Plan and an Emergency Supply Kit.
  • Find tips at www.leegov.com/hurricane.
  • Your Family Emergency Plan should include where you would evacuate – like a family member’s or friend’s home or a community outside the area.
  • Your Family Emergency Plan should include a list of steps, such as securing loose items in your yard and ensuring your shutters are up. Review this list now and ensure you have what you need on hand as you continue to monitor the tropics.
  • If you or your family member is in need use of a Special Needs Shelter during a severe weather event visit the Special Needs Shelter website to learn more about the program and to register.

Lee County Natural Resources and the Lee County Department of Transportation work year-round to be prepared for excessive rain events, particularly during the traditional hurricane season.

In the event of heavy rain, it will take the infrastructure time to drain. Please use caution and don’t drive through flooded roads. If the roadway is covered with water, take another route.

The county asks the public to report blocked ditches, swales, canals and areas of local flooding:

• First, to find out if your road is maintained by Lee County DOT, visit http://leegis.leegov.com/RoadLookup/. If it is not maintained by Lee County, find your municipal contact by visiting www.leegov.com/dcd/flood.
• Second, put in a Request for Action (RFA) to improve surface water drainage along your county- maintained road by contacting Request for Action Hotline at www.leegov.com/dot/requestforaction.
• People can use the same website to also report blocked creeks and streams (example: downed trees, collected debris). The reported information will be directed to Lee County Natural Resources.

As tropical storm activity intensifies, Lee County Solid Waste urges residents to follow these important guidelines:

• Refrain from cutting trees, doing major yard work, or placing large amounts of bulk waste at the curb, as excess debris strains collection services.
• Secure loose items that could become projectiles before any approaching storm.
• Collection schedules may change as storms approach; for updates and more information, visit www.leegov.com/solidwaste.