NFMCA to host hurricane seminar
It only takes one hurricane for anyone to declare a bad hurricane season. It’s a lesson we learned all too well last September.
On Tuesday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Fort Myers Civic Association will host its annual hurricane seminar at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center at 2000 N. Recreation Way.
As he did last year, WINK-TV Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt will host the event and tell attendees what they need to know and do if a hurricane tracks to Southwest Florida.
He also will review everything that happened during Hurricane Ian last year and why the storm did what it did.
Toni Hill, president of the NFMCA, said even though most residents feel like they’ve been through it all, they will hold it again because there’s always more to learn about hurricane preparedness.
“I think that we never know too much and there’s a lot to learn. Matt Devitt is always full of information and it’s all good,” Hill said. “The building we use is a hurricane shelter, so the people there should be good to hear from if anybody needs to use it.”
The event will feature Will Barnes, president of Ellsworth Heating & Cooling, who will discuss how to prepare your air conditioner for the storm, and John Gardner of Lee County Insurance, who will talk about insuring your home.
Hill said she will also have someone from Lee County Animal Control. Animals had a tough time during the storm and owners need to know how to care for their pets before, during and after the storm hits.
Also expected are people from Lee County Emergency Management, the North Fort Myers Fire District and a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
“We have a full ticket. I hope the residents come out. They did a great seminar at the Barbara B. Mann. However, we have a lot of residents who walk or use their bikes,” Hill said. “This is so convenient and people cannot be prepared enough.”
As the county is still in disaster mode and not doing any seminars his year, only groups such as the NFMCA and private locations are putting on seminars.
Hill said the NFMCA plans to hold one of these seminars every year in hopes that it can save a life somewhere down the road.
Meanwhile, the NFMCA is still seeking people to give money so the group can give away shoes to the neediest residents in the area.
The shoes will be given away in August. As of right now, thanks to the generosity of many people and businesses, the NFMCA is hoping to be able to give away more than 100 pairs of shoes.
“We have $3,000 right now in the kitty. Last year, we said we would match the first $500, which we did. More donations came in and we gave away 20 pairs,” Hill said. “This year we’re already at 50 pairs.”
This despite the lack of promotion from the local media. Hill said she wants to hit as many people and businesses in the area for money and those who need the shoes.
For more information, go to nfmcivic.com.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com