Understand Your Risk

• Find out if your home, workplace, or school is in a flood-prone area.
• Visit the Village of Estero Map page to learn your flood zone, evacuation zone, and storm surge risk.
• Learn which roadways typically flood and identify alternate routes.
• Even if you’re outside a high-risk zone, flooding can still happen.

💡 Tip: Floods can occur outside FEMA flood zones. Even if you’re in a low-risk area, you can still be affected by heavy rainfall, storm surge, or drainage overflow.

Protect Your Property

• Avoid building in flood-prone areas unless you elevate and reinforce your structure.
• Retrofit your home: Elevate your air conditioner, water heater, and electrical panels if they are susceptible to flooding.
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your drains.
• Review the Construction in a Floodplain page for tips on building smart and resilient.
• Secure outdoor items. Bring in patio furniture, planters, grills, and decorations that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Board up or shutter windows. Plywood or hurricane shutters help prevent breakage.
• Clear gutters and storm drains. Ensure rainwater can flow freely away from your property.
• Trim trees and branches that could damage your home or power lines.
• Reinforce your garage door. This is often a weak point during high winds.
• Move vehicles to higher ground if flooding is possible.

Strengthen Financial and Legal Readiness

• Check your insurance coverage. Make sure your flood and homeowners insurance are current — Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage.
• Purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
  → Learn more at FloodSmart.gov.
• Keep digital copies of insurance documents, titles, and receipts for valuables.
• Understand your policy limits and what’s covered before disaster strikes.

Make a Family Emergency Plan

• Use the Lee County Family Emergency Plan template to make your plan.
• Identify safe evacuation routes and meeting points in case family members become separated.
• Make arrangements for pets — shelters that allow animals fill up quickly and require proof of vaccinations.
• Designate an out-of-area contact who can relay information if local communications go down.
• Teach children what to do if flooding starts while they are at school or home alone.
• Share your plan with neighbors, especially seniors or those who may need assistance.

Create an Emergency Kit

Assemble enough supplies to last at least 7 days per person. Include:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and lanterns
• First-aid kit, medications, and spare eyeglasses
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Cash (small bills)
• Cell phone chargers and portable power banks
• Personal hygiene and sanitation items
• Extra clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Pet food and supplies

🐾 Tip: Keep a smaller “go bag” ready in case you need to leave immediately.

➡️ Download the full Emergency Supply Kit Checklist (PDF).

 Stay Informed

• Register for AlertLee to receive local emergency alerts.
• Download the LeePrepares app. Android or iPhone
• Monitor updates from the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, and Lee County Emergency Management.
• Follow official Village of Estero and Lee County updates on social media.
• Keep your devices charged and have a portable battery backup ready.

Be Proactive

• Leave before floodwaters rise — don’t wait to be told if conditions look dangerous.
• Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and your phone is charged.
• Review the Lee County All Hazards Guide for more preparedness resources.

Stay Alert

• Listen to local radio or TV for official information and evacuation orders.
• Follow updates from the Village of Estero, Lee County Emergency Management, and weather.gov.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately — waiting may trap you as water rises.

If You Are at Home

• Shelter in a small, windowless, interior room on the lowest level that’s not prone to flooding.
• Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Keep emergency supplies close.
• Turn off electricity, gas, and water if instructed by authorities.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
• Keep your NOAA Weather Radio or phone alerts on for official updates.
• Do not go outside during the calm “eye” of the storm — winds will return suddenly from the opposite direction.
• Keep pets indoors and secure.

If You Are Ordered to Evacuate

• Leave immediately. Do not wait — roads may flood or close quickly.
• Use designated evacuation routes and avoid shortcuts or flooded areas.
• Take your emergency kit, important documents, and identification.
• Notify friends or family of your destination.
• Turn off utilities (gas, electricity, water) if instructed.
• Unplug small appliances before you leave.

Transportation Assistance to Shelters

Need help getting to a shelter during an emergency? LeeTran provides free transportation to the nearest available shelter.

Residents with medical needs are encouraged to complete a Special Medical Needs Shelter application in advance to ensure assistance is available when needed.

Pets are welcome on LeeTran vehicles as long as they’re in a crate, carrier, or on a leash.

If you didn’t pre-register, you can still go to any LeeTran bus stop or transfer station for a free ride to a shelter.

For routes and schedules, download the Transit App or visit the LeeTran website.

If You Must Travel

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters.
  • Six inches of moving water can knock you down.
  • One foot can float many vehicles.
  • Two feet can sweep away trucks and SUVs.
• Avoid bridges or roads near rivers or creeks that may be weakened or washed out.
• If water rises around your car, abandon it if you can safely reach higher ground.

Safety Reminders

• Avoid using wired electronics during lightning.
• Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible to preserve cold air.
• Stay alert for tornado warnings — hurricanes often produce spin-off tornadoes.
• Keep your phone charged and set to low-power mode.
• Text instead of calling to reduce network congestion.

Wait for the “All Clear”

• Follow re-entry orders from officials.
• Check local news for updates on road closures and safe return times.
• Avoid flooded areas; standing water may be contaminated or electrically charged.

Use Caution When Returning Home

• Watch for loose power lines and report them to your utility provider.
• Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and debris — avoid contact when possible.
• Roads and bridges may be weakened and could collapse under vehicle weight.

Health & Safety

• Do not drink tap water until authorities say it’s safe.
• Empty standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
  • Remember the 4 Ds:
    • Drain water when possible.
    • Dress in long sleeves and light colors.
    • Defend with DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
    • Dusk/Dawn: Limit time outdoors during mosquito peak hours.
• Watch for displaced wildlife — snakes, raccoons, and insects may seek shelter indoors.
• Use generators outdoors only and at least 20 feet from windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Document and Report Damage

• Inspect your home for structural damage before entering.
• If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact authorities.
• Take photos and videos of all damage before cleaning up.
• File your flood insurance claim immediately. See the National Flood Insurance Program’s Claims Handbook.
• Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contract as a repair condition — this can lead to fraud.
• Register with FEMA for disaster assistance if a federal disaster declaration is issued.

Clean Up Safely

• Remove wet items like carpet, furniture, and bedding within 24–48 hours to prevent mold.
• Disinfect all surfaces that came into contact with floodwater.
• Wear gloves, boots, and masks during cleanup.
• See the EPA’s Flooded Homes Cleanup Guide for details.

Rebuilding and Repairs

• Always use licensed and insured contractors.
• Verify licenses with the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) or by calling the Village of Estero at 239-221-5036.
• Avoid contractors who:
  • Demand full payment upfront.
  • Ask you to obtain permits.
  • Claim repairs don’t need permits.
  • Request you sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form.
• Get multiple written estimates and avoid paying in full upfront.
• Permits are required for most structural repairs — never skip this step. Click here for a general list for what needs a permit.
• Rebuild safer and stronger; visit Construction in a Floodplain for guidance.
• Be alert for price gouging or scams — it’s illegal during declared emergencies.

Community Recovery and Support

• Let your friends and family know you’re safe.
• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with special needs.
• Stay tuned to local news for information on disaster recovery centers, food and water distribution sites, and debris pickup schedules.
• Reach out to disaster assistance hotlines or local support resources if you need help coping.
• Take breaks during cleanup.