Cape Coral, Florida

June 1 is the first day of Hurricane Season.

This year is predicted to be a busy hurricane season. The official NOAA predictions are as follows:

“We estimate a 70% probability for each of the following ranges of activity this season:
14-23 Named Storms,
8-14 Hurricanes
3-7 Major Hurricanes
An ACE range of 155%-270% of the median.” (from http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml)

NOAA is clear to state that they DO NOT make landfall predictions. They are unable to predict landfall until a few days out.

It is always best to be prepared as you never know exactly what may happen in your neighborhood/area. The good news with Hurricanes is that they give us plenty of warning. We are notified of their formation SEVERAL days before they are even close to United States in most cases. This gives you plenty of time to prepare. Whether you plan to board up and stay at your house or board up and leave is up to you. Depending upon the strength of a Hurricane you can make the best choice for you and your family.

I remember when Hurricane Charley hit our area in 2004. Most people didn’t even make the necessary preparations because they had never experienced a storm this large. They were used to small storms that caused minimal damage. We knew it was headed our way as at least a category 2 storm well in advance. However, as it approached it reached a category 4 Hurricane status. Many older homes sustained minor to major damage and many other homes sustained minor roof, pool cage and tree damage. We lost power through most of the area for several days. Charley was definitely a wake up call for our area.

The following years were mild for us including last year which was also pretty mild in and around Cape Coral.

You can watch 2009’s season in video below:

I wrote the article below in the past to remind people of other natural disasters around the US and World to put Hurricanes ‘in perspective’.

Being in SW Florida, I hear concerns from people about Hurricanes from time to time. We usually end up discussing historical data, newest hurricane codes & then I typically go into ‘natural disasters elsewhere’.

Honestly, I cannot think of a single place to live that there won’t be something weatherwise to concern yourself with. Basically it comes down to picking the ones that least annoy you, or maybe are least likely to kill you.

Here are some I can think of:

• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Mudslides
• Blizzards
• Avalanches
• Fires
• Floods
• Draught
• Extreme Heat
• Wind
• Earthquakes
• Tsunamis
• Sink Holes
• Volcanic Eruptions
• Solar flares, meteors, etc…

So, what natural disasters do you have to explain in your area?
Oh, I almost forget Florida is also the lightning Capital of the World
But I can’t see myself living anywhere else!

In conclusion, I hope everyone makes the logical preparations for this Hurricane Season. Be prepared in advance & hopefully you won’t need to execute your plan or even break out your Hurricane Kit. But as with anything, being safe is always better than being sorry. And when a Hurricane is coming & quickly things get crazy and it is difficult to get the necessary items you need.

Here are some additional resources for you:

Download the 63 page Hurricane Guide

View NOAA.gov for up to the minute Hurricane information

Go to Weather.com for weather updates.

As always, should you have any questions about real estate in and around Cape Coral, Florida we are here to help!

Yours in Success,

Susan Milner

Florida Future Realty, Inc

Search Cape Coral real estate

Florida real estate agents

www.SusanMilner.com

(239) 218-2229

Susan@SusanMilner.com

copyright 2010 Susan Milner Florida Future Realty, Inc.

In fact, some of the worst weather we experienced here was from an initial storm band that came through on Sunday evening. I posted a brief video of it: Tropical Storm Fay in Cape Coral. 

Lee County schools are scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20, 2008 as usual.

Many businesses are now posting that they are opened as well. We will be opened as normal, tomorrow, August 20, 2008 at Florida Future Realty, Inc.

Those in central Florida and along the Eastern coast should still be using caution and remain prepared. Tornadoes and flooding are very likely.

As always, should you, or anyone you know have a real estate question, contact us at Florida Future Realty, Inc.

Search for Cape Coral real estate anytime online at our very user-friendly website.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Success,

Susan Milner

Real Estate Broker, Florida Future Realty, Inc.

 239-542-8521

Here are some basics: 

All South/SW Florida public schools are closed (most, if not all of the private schools as well)

Trash pick up is canceled

Flights canceled into and our of the SW FL International Airport

Many, if not most local businesses will be closed (We will be)

 More closing information can be found at the NBC website: http://www.nbc-2.com/News/fay_closings.shtml

Final Preparations:

Food, Water

Gas in vehicle

Gas for generator

Sand Bags for flooding

Secure outside furniture, other loose objects

Install shutters?

Pets

Medicine

Evacuation for low lying areas, coastal homes, barrier islands and mobile homes

Many shelters are now open

My favorite websites to check on the local weather:

www.news-press.com

www.nbc-2.com

www.abc-7.com

www.fox4florida.com

www.winknews.com

And more about storms/weather:

http://www.noaa.gov/

A lot of locals are taking this lightly and it does in fact look pretty disorganized and weak but it is best to be prepared. Expect lots of wind, some damage, possible flooding, road closings, lack of gas, possible power outages and lots of news coverage!

As they say, “Better safe than sorry.”

Good luck & be safe!

P.S. This is by no means meant to be an all encompassing ‘what to do’ blog but it gives some general information along with sites to gather more information.

Susan Milner

Florida Future Realty, Inc.

Interested in SW Florida real estate? Feel free to view the current listings at Lee County Real Estate

(239) 542-8521

2008 Copyright