Make a Plan

Everyone should make a plan for how to respond if a hazard is threatening your safety.

Jump to: Children | Special Needs | Pets | What to Include

Who to Include in Your Plan

Your plan should include everyone in your family—adults, children, people with special needs and pets. You can also include your neighbors, friends or extended family in your plan.

Preparing Kids for Disasters

Disasters can be frightening for everyone, especially children. Proper preparation helps reduce fear, keeps them safe, and empowers them to act appropriately during emergencies.  Guidelines for helping children prepare:

  • Create a ready-to-go kit for young children. Include items to keep them comforted and occupied, such as favorite toys, books, games, or snacks. Make sure the kit is easily accessible.
  • Involve older children in planning. Encourage them to help check supplies, make shopping lists, and understand emergency procedures. Use resources like the Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids.
  • Practice family drills. Conduct regular fire, tornado, and hurricane drills so everyone knows where to go and what to do. Teach children how to stay calm and follow instructions.
  • Talk about disasters in age-appropriate ways. Explain what may happen during a disaster and what actions keep the family safe. Emphasize that emergencies are rare and that being prepared helps protect everyone.
  • Teach coping strategies. Encourage deep breathing, using a comfort object, or talking about feelings to manage fear or anxiety during stressful situations.
  • Assign age-appropriate responsibilities. Older children can help pack emergency kits, check flashlights and batteries, or assist younger siblings during drills. This builds confidence and teaches them practical skills.
  • Maintain routines when possible. Keeping familiar schedules and activities can help children feel more secure before, during, and after a disaster.

By preparing children and involving them in planning, you can reduce fear, increase confidence, and help ensure their safety during emergencies.

Look for resources that are oriented to a young audience such as:

Preparing People with Special Needs:

Individuals with special needs should plan ahead to ensure their safety during emergencies. The following guidelines can help you prepare effectively:

  • Assess equipment needs. If you use medical or assistive devices that require electricity, arrange for a backup power source or identify a location where electricity will be available.
  • Plan for accessible transportation. Ensure you have a strategy for evacuation if you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, paratransit service, or other transportation accommodations.
  • Coordinate with family, friends, or caregivers. Work with trusted individuals to develop a plan for sheltering in place or evacuating. Identify backup caregivers in case your primary caregiver is unavailable.
  • Include medical and essential items in your emergency kit. Pack necessary medications, medical devices, and equipment. Keep a written or digital copy of your medical history, allergies, medications, and healthcare provider contacts.
  • Plan for service animals. Include food, water, medications, and identification for service animals if applicable.
  • Address communication needs. Ensure you can receive emergency alerts, particularly if you have hearing, vision, or cognitive impairments. Consider backup communication devices if needed.
  • Practice your plan. Conduct drills that account for mobility, sensory, or medical needs to ensure your plan is practical and effective.
  • Register for assistance if needed. If you require additional support during a disaster, register for the Lee County Special Needs Program.

Planning ahead ensures that you have the resources, support, and equipment necessary to stay safe before, during, and after a disaster.

Preparing for Your Pets:

Pets are important members of your household. It is your responsibility to ensure their safety and care during emergencies. Follow the guidance below to prepare your pets in advance of a disaster or evacuation.

Maintain Vaccinations and Licensing

  • Ensure all animals are current on required vaccinations.
  • Verify that your county pet license is valid and up to date.

Identification and Microchipping

  • Have your pet microchipped to increase the likelihood of reunification if separated.
  • Update your contact information with the microchip registry whenever it changes.
  • Ensure your pet wears a collar with an identification tag that includes your current phone number and address.

Maintain Current Identification Records

  • Keep a recent photo of you and your pet for identification purposes.
  • Store a printed copy with your important documents and retain a digital copy on your phone.

Assemble a Pet Emergency Supply Kit
Prepare a kit that includes:

  • A minimum of three to five days’ supply of food and water
  • Food and water bowls
  • Medications and medical records
  • Leash, collar, and carrier or crate
  • Waste disposal bags, litter, and litter box (for cats)
  • Comfort items such as toys or bedding

Evacuation Procedures

  • Take your pets with you when you evacuate—do not leave them behind.
  • Keep pets securely leashed or in a carrier at all times during evacuation.
  • Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or boarding facilities in advance.

Pet-Friendly Shelter Information
Pet-friendly shelters are opened during each declared emergency; locations may vary depending on the event.

For current information, visit the Lee County Emergency Management website:

What to Include in Your Plan

Build an Emergency Kit

When getting your emergency kit together, think about each member of your family and what they would need for two weeks. The Village of Estero offers a full list of recommended items

  • Basic items include:
  • Important documents.
  • Medication.
  • Sanitation (wipes, antibacterial hand gel, soap, cloth).
  • Water (at least one gallon of water per person per day).
  • One-week supply of nonperishable food.
  • Can opener.
  • Batteries.

Condominium Preparedness and Safety

If you live in a condominium, it is important to understand your responsibilities versus those of your condo association regarding insurance coverage and mitigation measures. Take the following precautions to protect yourself and your property:

  • Bring in all items from balconies before a storm to prevent them from becoming hazards.
  • Evacuate if you are in an evacuation zone and an order is issued. Even if your unit is above the expected storm surge, your building and surrounding area may become isolated by floodwaters, potentially leaving you stranded for days.
  • Be prepared to use stairs when returning to your building, as elevators may be inoperable due to power outages or storm damage.
  • Exercise caution with fire safety systems, such as sprinklers, which may not function properly after a disaster.

Check Your Insurance

Homeowners and flood insurance can provide vital support after a disaster. In most cases, you won’t be eligible for federal disaster assistance unless the President of the United States declares an emergency—and even then, the help often comes as loans that must be repaid. By maintaining homeowners and flood insurance, you ensure that coverage and assistance are available regardless of any disaster declaration. Talk with your insurance agent to make sure your coverage fully protects your home and property. Planning in advance is critical.

Remember:

  • A National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy takes effect 30 days after purchase. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to get coverage.
  • Know your policy inside and out. Review your coverage, deductibles, exclusions, post-loss responsibilities, and the deadline (statute of limitations) for filing a claim.
  • Consider adding Loss Assessment coverage to your homeowners or condo policy. This optional protection helps cover your share of damage or loss in common areas if you live in a shared or association-managed community.
  • Loss of Use coverage, also called Additional Living Expense, helps pay for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable during repairs. Most flood insurance policies do not include this coverage.
  • Avoid signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) agreement without first consulting your insurance agent or attorney. Some contractors may ask you to sign this document, which transfers your policy benefits to them and can delay or complicate your claims process.
  • Document your property thoroughly. Take photos and videos before and after a disaster, and keep all receipts for any repairs you make.

To learn more about flooding and insurance, visit:

Prepare Your Home

If you’re making repairs or renovations to your home, consider incorporating improvements that make it more resistant to wind and water damage. Focus on four key areas: the roof, windows, doors, and garage doors.

Find out how to rebuild right and safeguard your home from future damage.

While newer mobile homes are often built to be more wind-resistant, older ones may not meet the same standards. Mobile homes are especially vulnerable to flying debris and can be displaced from their foundations if not properly anchored.

Retrofit Guides and Information

Prepare Your Yard Before a Storm

Proper yard preparation helps protect your home and family during severe weather. High winds can turn even heavy outdoor items into dangerous projectiles capable of causing significant damage to windows, doors, and walls. Follow these steps to minimize risks:

  • Prune trees and shrubs well in advance of storm season, and remove any loose branches or yard debris.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear and in good repair to ensure water flows away from your home.
  • Use shredded bark instead of rock or gravel mulch to reduce the potential for flying debris.
  • When a hurricane warning is issued, secure or bring inside all outdoor items, including furniture, toys, birdbaths, and barbecue grills.
  • Do not drain your swimming pool. Super-chlorinate the water and disconnect electrical power to pool equipment for the duration of the storm.

Safety Considerations for Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Vehicles and Devices

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronic devices and vehicles, including electric cars, e-bikes, golf carts, scooters, and laptops. While efficient, these batteries can pose serious safety risks. They may catch fire or explode if they malfunction, are damaged, or are submerged in water. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are particularly hazardous and can be difficult for users and first responders to extinguish.

It is important to anticipate and prepare for the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion battery-powered equipment, especially before a disaster occurs. Follow these safety guidelines:

  • Follow manufacturer instructions when charging your electric vehicle or device, and use only chargers certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • Stop using the vehicle immediately and call 9-1-1 if you notice unusual odors, changes in color or shape, excessive heat, leaking, smoke, or unusual noises. Be aware that battery damage may occur without visible warning signs.
  • Do not approach, charge, or drive a battery-powered vehicle suspected of being damaged or exposed to water. Do not store such a vehicle indoors or near structures.
  • Notify 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect battery damage to an electric vehicle.

Prepare Your Business

Planning ahead is essential. A comprehensive business continuity plan can help you reopen quickly and resume serving your community after a storm. Financial resources may be available if your business suffers damage.

Key steps to prepare:

  • Plan for operations without power. Identify alternate work locations, use cloud-based and off-site storage for critical documents and data, and ensure backup systems are in place for essential equipment.
  • Develop a communication plan. Maintain up-to-date contact information for employees, vendors, clients, utility companies, insurance agents, and emergency services. Decide how you will communicate before, during, and after a storm.
  • Prepare your employees. Train staff on emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and their roles during and after a storm. Ensure employee safety is a top priority.
  • Review business insurance coverage. Verify that your policies cover storm-related damages, including property, equipment, inventory, and business interruption.
  • Document your assets. Keep detailed records of equipment, inventory, and supplies through photos, videos, and written lists to support insurance claims.
  • Protect your property. Secure outdoor equipment, board up windows if necessary, and consider flood barriers or other mitigation measures appropriate to your location.
  • Identify critical operations. Determine which functions are essential to continue during and after a storm and prioritize resources accordingly.
  • Plan for customer and stakeholder communications. Establish how clients and partners will receive updates if your business is temporarily closed or services are disrupted.

By addressing these areas, your business will be better positioned to minimize damage, maintain safety, and resume operations quickly after a storm.