Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Southwest Florida

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year, with peak activity from mid-August through October. In Cape Coral and Fort Myers, the smart move is to build your storm kit in early June — before the first named storm — and check it every season.

A basic kit includes: 1 gallon of water per person per day (3+ days), nonperishable food for 3+ days, a battery or hand-crank radio, flashlights with extra batteries, portable phone chargers, a first-aid kit, a manual can opener, cash, IDs, insurance documents, prescriptions, and pet supplies if applicable. Often-forgotten items: outdoor-rated extension cords, matches in a waterproof bag, extra propane or charcoal for outdoor cooking, and cleaning supplies like bleach and paper towels.

Plan on at least 1 gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days — 7 days is safer for Southwest Florida, where water service and power can be out for a week or more after a major storm. A family of four should store at least 12 gallons, plus extra for pets. Fill coolers and freeze ice packs before the storm arrives.

For essentials only (refrigerator, fans, phone charging, some lights), a 2,000–4,000 watt portable generator or inverter is usually enough. To add a window AC unit or well pump, look at 5,000–8,000 watts. Whole-home coverage generally requires 10,000+ watts or a standby generator. Add up the running watts of what you plan to power and leave headroom for startup surges. Our staff can help you size one at either store.

No. Never run a generator in a garage, carport, lanai, or near open doors and windows — carbon monoxide from generators kills people after nearly every Florida hurricane. Run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the home with the exhaust pointed away, and use battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors inside.

Use exterior-grade plywood at least 5/8 inch thick, cut to overlap the window opening, and anchor it with proper fasteners every 12 to 16 inches. Pre-drill and label each panel by window so installation is fast when a storm is named. If you have code-rated shutters, inspect the hardware every June before you need them.

Generators, gas cans, batteries, flashlights, tarps, plywood, water containers, and propane are consistently the first items to sell out once a storm is named — often within hours. Fasteners, extension cords, and coolers go quickly too. Buying in early June means full shelves and no lines; waiting for the cone means gambling on restocks.

The most-needed post-storm items are tarps (for roof and window damage), contractor-grade 42-gallon trash bags, work gloves, chainsaws, utility pumps for standing water, bleach and disinfecting cleaners, and battery lighting until power is stable. Document damage with photos before you start cleanup, and stay clear of downed lines and floodwater.

Yes. Both stores stock generators, batteries, flashlights, tarps, fasteners, fuel cans, plywood-hanging hardware, coolers, first-aid kits, and cleanup supplies year-round, and we ramp up storm inventory ahead of the season. Cape Coral: 622 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral — (239) 542-6365. Fort Myers: 13101 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers — (239) 933-1744. Open Mon–Sat 7 AM–6 PM, Sun 8 AM–3 PM. Online orders can be picked up in store, usually within 2 hours.

Yes — propane tank exchange is available in-store at both our Cape Coral and Fort Myers locations, and home delivery is available with a 2-tank minimum. Extra propane means you can cook and boil water on a grill or camp stove when the power is out. See our propane exchange page for details.

Look up your address in the Lee County evacuation zone map at leegov.com/hurricane and write your zone and route into your family plan. If officials call an evacuation for your zone, leave early — and keep emergency alerts, insurance contacts, and a written family meeting place with your storm kit.

Finish all outdoor prep — shutters, plywood, tying down or bringing in furniture, grills, and loose decor — when a hurricane watch is issued, before winds pick up. Do not wait for the warning: installing shutters in tropical-storm-force wind is dangerous. Trim weak branches and clear drains and gutters at the start of the season, not the week of a storm.