COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.-- When it comes to planning first you'll want to make sure your home is safe and secure if you have to evacuate.  Here are just a few ways you can do just..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Plan first and get flood insurance.Homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooding.  The National Flood Insurance Program protects your home and belongin..

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla.-- Charlotte county sustained a lot of damage after Hurricane Charley in 2004.  Since, the county has rebuilt its Emergency Operations Center transformin..

LEE COUNTY, Fla.-- When a hurricane approaches your family needs to have a plan to deal with medical needs.  If you use medical equipment that requires electricity make sure y..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Before a storm make sure your mobile or manufactured home is secured.Homeowners need to make sure their homes are anchored down because it's the law in Florida.&..

NORTH NAPLES, Fla.-- When the electricity goes out during a hurricane if you don't have a generator, you're out of luck.  But if you have an alternative fuel source you may ne..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- When a storm strikes you need to make plans for other utilities around your house.First, know where to find your home's emergency water shut-off valve.  If ..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- The National Hurricane Center has made a few important changes you should know about this year.  First, the way watches and warnings are issued is different..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- If you have pets you need to have a plan in place to keep them safe if a storm strikes.  Pet shelters in Southwest Florida only accept dogs and cats and you..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- When we talk about generators we have to talk about safety.  One of the biggest dangers when using a generator is carbon monoxide poisoning which is prevent..

ALVA, Fla.-- Back in 2004, a lot of people were unprepared for Hurricane Charley.  Without electricity for days, people scrambled to get their hands on generators, including..

TAMPA, Fla.-- Hurricane season begins June 1st and there are a number of people, besides meteorologists, who track the storms.  But there's a team of what some might call "d..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- From hurricane shutters to your hurricane kit, getting ready for a storm doesn't have to break the bank.Savvy Southwest Florida shoppers know it doesn't get much..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Before the storm you should think about trying to get your homeowners hurricane insurance lowered.If you've had any work done on your home that would qualify you..

FORT MYERS, Fla.--  In the lifetimes of many people here, three major hurricanes have roared off the warm waters of the Gulf and slammed right into Southwest Florida.  Th..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- When Southwest Florida is in the forecast cone of a storm, evacuation orders may be issued and shelters may start to open.  In that event, it's important to..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Here's what you need to know after the storm.Relief takes a while to get to a disaster area, so be prepared to survive on your own at least for the first 72 hour..

LEE COUNTY, Fla.-- When you think of first responders you may think: Emergency crews.  But when it comes to hurricanes, think again.  That's because when a storm strike..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- After the storm it's important to not mix debris.Garbage from your home needs to be separated from yard debris like palm fronds, shrubs and tree parts.  Con..

FORT MYERS, Fla.-- Up-to-date information is key in any storm but when the power goes out you'll need to stay informed.  You can still listen to WINK News on a battery operate..