Irma - lee county (Cape Coral, Fort Myers: insurance, condo, house)

[chiluvr1228]

I don't normally freak out with these hurricanes because living in Lee County since the end of 1960 (after Hurricane Donna) we have been extremely fortunate without having a direct hit here except for Charley which hit Charlotte County but still left us without power for three days. However, I just bought an older home in Cape Coral and the windows are 47 years old. The roof was replaced in 2006 and was scheduled to be replaced next week. I was also in the process of getting estimates for replacing the windows with impact windows. I'm supposed to move there in October after all the renovations are done.


Someone told me to put duct tape on the windows but does that really help? All of the windows are those old timey jalousie windows.

[SandyCo]

I can't answer your question, unfortunately, but I wanted to post here about my 75-year-old stepmom who lives by herself. She's in North Ft. Myers; what is the plan for either evacuating or going to a public shelter somewhere?? I hate to think of her trying to drive anywhere far away, especially because the traffic will probably be horrendous, but I worry even more about her sheltering in place.

Irma is pretty strong, and although the track isn't written in stone and neither is Irma's strength, I have a bad feeling about what will happen if my stepmom stays home. She's not close to any of her neighbors, so I don't know if anyone would even be checking on her in the aftermath.

[njkate]

Originally Posted by SandyCo

I can't answer your question, unfortunately, but I wanted to post here about my 75-year-old stepmom who lives by herself. She's in North Ft. Myers; what is the plan for either evacuating or going to a public shelter somewhere?? I hate to think of her trying to drive anywhere far away, especially because the traffic will probably be horrendous, but I worry even more about her sheltering in place.

Irma is pretty strong, and although the track isn't written in stone and neither is Irma's strength, I have a bad feeling about what will happen if she stays at home. She's not close to any of her neighbors, so I don't know if anyone would even be checking on her in the aftermath.

I'd be putting her on a flight out to you within the next few days, jmo
I was scheduled to leave on auto train tomorrow to return to Cape Coral, I have canceled that and staying put in NJ for now.

[Robino1]

Originally Posted by chiluvr1228

I don't normally freak out with these hurricanes because living in Lee County since the end of 1960 (after Hurricane Donna) we have been extremely fortunate without having a direct hit here except for Charley which hit Charlotte County but still left us without power for three days. However, I just bought an older home in Cape Coral and the windows are 47 years old. The roof was replaced in 2006 and was scheduled to be replaced next week. I was also in the process of getting estimates for replacing the windows with impact windows. I'm supposed to move there in October after all the renovations are done.


Someone told me to put duct tape on the windows but does that really help? All of the windows are those old timey jalousie windows.

From everything I've read, duct tape won't work to keep things from hitting your windows and breaking them.

Not sure if it is strong enough to keep those slats of glass from moving.


Hopefully someone will have a more definitive answer for you. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. Please keep us updated on how things are going.

[PBToast]

chiluvr: storm is up to a cat5 now. Probably won't stay that way but will still be very strong whenever it lands. I don't think duct tape would help much. there is going to be a lot of stuff flying around.

Sandyco: I'd see if your mom can get an inexpensive flight from Punta Gorda airport. It's the closest to her. I'd check quickly as flights out will stop early. Probably have to relay through a couple airports as destinations are limited but it's better than her sitting there alone.

there are people posting great updates on the storm intensity and path over on the CD weather forum if you are following it.

//www.city-data.com/forum/hurri...2017-a-29.html

[Compression]

Duct tape will help hold the individual shards of broken glass into one mass. But it won't stop it from flying thru the inside of the building.

If you don't plan on being inside the house at the time of the storm, I'd spend time and money on other preparations that might minimize damage to the structure.

If you lack storm shutters, plywood is the next best method. Once wind is able to enter the structure thru blowen in windows, doors, or garage doors the damage to the structure and roof failure is more likely.

Unless we are forecast to have a direct eyewall hit from a cat 4 or 5, I'll likely shelter in place in North Ft Myers, as the building is sturdy enough, but prone to flash flooding on a minor basis.

Everybody should take careful consideration of the attributes of whatever building they plan to shelter in, if that is their plan.

CN

[don1945]

Plywood is much better than duct tape, but it is flying off the shelves right now. Same with water and things like generators. Fortunately, a lot of people are taking this one seriously.

[Mr Cape Coral]

It is time for all of Lee County to take Hurricane Irma seriously. Plans should be well underway as to what you will do.

Supplies are already being depleted, water is gone in many stores.

If you do not have shutters for the windows, duct tape is a waste of time.

Know where your nearest shelter is located. Here is a link for Lee County Shelters:
Public Shelters

Many people would do well to leave the area if they can.
Waiting too long to decide could create a real problem.

[LifeIsGood01]

I was at a Walmart in North Fort Myers around 11 AM and it was packed. All the water was gone from the shelves. Later as I was shopping they bought a pallet of water out and it was gone in about a minute, one lady was trying to grab it before the man could remove the plastic wrap from the pallet. I only got one because I had a lot of other things in my cart plus I had about a case and a half of water at home, plus I bought a new tap water filter and am going to filter some water that way the dogs can have filtered water and I will have extra.

[chiluvr1228]

They had 24 packs of water at the Publix at Fiddlesticks & Daniels at 3:00 p.m. but they were limiting it to 2 per person which is what they should do. The spam was gone and tuna & peanut were low. I have no way of getting plywood to my Cape Coral house nor do I have anybody to put it up for me. I guess I will have to pray for the best. I just closed on this house last Wednesday and new windows & roof were on the immediate schedule. Thankfully I do have insurance but I'm not even sure what the deductible is yet.


I'm in Gateway now in a 2nd story condo; probably about the safest place in Lee County as far as storm surge, not sure about the buildings holding up if Irma remains a Cat 5.


As far as the public shelters how safe are they? Are they retrofitted to withstand a certain category? I'm sure most of us remember Hurricane Katrina and the roof of the dome that blew right off. I'm torn between staying put with my cat or going to the nearest pet friendly shelter which isn't far. I guess I will just wait & see at this point.


I am calling in my prescription refills today even though the 30 days isn't up until Friday. Hopefully with Governor Scott declaring a state of emergency the pharmacies will fill these.