Now is the time to start the pre-planning process in the event a storm comes near our beautiful island. Here are a few mindful recommendations to prepare for an impending storm.

• Be familiar with local guidelines for voluntary and mandatory evacuations. Upper Captiva Fire will follow all state issued evacuation recommendations. Make plans now for options to evacuate in the event this order is declared. Upper Captiva Fire Department is NOT an approved hurricane shelter and will NOT be used as one.
• Have 5–7-day supply of nonperishable food and plenty of water. Those supplies can start to be stockpiled now.
  • Fill propane tank for grilling/outdoor cooking.
  • Stock up on paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels and paper plates and consider plastic utensils.  Aluminum pans for outdoor cooking.  For post storm clean up efforts:  cleaning supplies, heavy duty garbage bags and/or contractors bags.
• Have enough fuel for generators to last up to 7 days
  • Generators are to remain on the outside of the residence and away from all windows and doors.
  • Have CO2 detectors for the home if you plan on running a generator.
  • Make sure all generators on pads are clear of any wood or combustible materials.
• Have enough medication and/or medical supplies to last up to 5-7 days.
• Make a plan on how you can communicate with family and/or friends post storm to be able to confirm your safety.
• Secure all items outside of your residence to prevent any hazards to your home or your neighbors’ homes.
• If you make the educated decision to remain on the island during a mandatory emergency evacuation order, please notify the Fire Department of the address you will be residing in. This will help with post hurricane checks.
• Please understand that the Fire Department is here in the event of emergencies. It is individual’s responsibility to provide the necessary items for the first 5–7-days post storm to allow local emergency providers time to set up and begin operations. If you are confronted with an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact emergency services.
• After the first 5-7 days, Upper Captiva Fire Department will make every attempt to provide the local community with humanitarian needs and will provide a point of contact for local authorities.

• Any emergency call must start with a call or text to 911. Cell phone calls will be triangulated and your location determined, just like on the mainland.
• If your emergency is fire related, the call will immediately trigger the Fire Department response system and put in process the mutual aid (from other Fire Departments) structure.
• Be explicit about the nature of your emergency.
• Keep in mind that our island location means extra time is needed to get you off, transported, and to the appropriate facility.

• Smoke Alarms and CO 2 Detectors save lives. They are your early warning system. Batteries should be changed, and detectors should be tested every 6 months. (Daylight savings time is a good reminder)
• Fire extinguishers should be kept near potential ignition points (kitchens,grills, storage areas) and near exits. They do expire, so check the expiration dates regulator.
• BBQ grills, turkey friers or cook tops shouldn’t be used under the roof or next to the building. Nothing ruins dinner like burning down your house.
• Flammable liquids should be stored in proper containers.
• Battery-powered vehicles shouldn’t be parked under buildings. Salt air and salt water do not mix with batteries or battery chargers and are a major source of fires on the Island.
• No open fires on the Island, please. This includes beach fire and bonfires. Cooking fires are allowed but should have a cooking grate or surface over it. Again, a fire extinguisher is recommended near by.
• Fireworks and Chinese lanterns are not allowed.
• 911 is the preferred method of contacting the Fire Department for emergencies. Calling 911 not only notifies the Island Department but allows dispatch to notify the rest of the county so the proper resources (Helicopter, law enforcement, EMS, marine assets and other fire departments) can be sent to assist.

• Know, before you go! Check local weather updates daily for surf conditions.
• Be aware of the waves as they can increase in size and strength rapidly, even on a calm day.
• Look out for rip currents or breaks in the water.
• Pay attention to posted signs around the beach for potential hazards or dangers.
• When entering or exiting the water, never turn your back on the waves.
• Keep children close to you in the water.
• Our beaches are not manned with life guards.
• While walking in the water, shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on a sting ray!
• Wear water shoes to avoid shells or other sharp objects in the water that may cut your feet.
• Make sure you wear life jackets or floating devices in the water.
• Always wear sunscreen reapply several times.
• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (water preferred)
• And Last ALWAYS HAVE FUN

Rip Current Safety

Be aware of the hidden dangers associated with charging golf cart batteries. Hydrogen gas is produced by the charging process and will cause carbon monoxide alarms to sound.

• Always follow the manufacturers recommendations when charging any golf cart.
• Always charge a golf cart in a well-ventilated area.
• Always disconnect the charger when the golf cart has finished the charging process.
• Do not charge the battery overnight or if there is no one at home with the golf cart.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your residence even if your residence is liquid propane free.
• If you suspect any problems or your carbon monoxide alarm is sounding, immediately get out of your home and call 911.

If you have any non-emergency related questions, you can call the Upper Captiva Fire Department at 239-872-2263.

Fireworks are allowed as per Florida law. ONLY privately purchased fireworks are allowed on ONLY the following dates: New Years Eve, New Years Day, and July 4. Violations are subject to enforcement by Lee County Sheriff’s office and the Upper Captiva Fire Department. You can do your part to make sure that this season is a safe and happy one by following some simple rules listed by the Florida Department of Health. Carelessly used fireworks start numerous fires each year and worse cause injury and death.

• Know and follow all county and city fireworks laws for your area.
• Never use homemade and/or illegal fireworks.
• Clear away any dry vegetation and debris from the area before igniting any fireworks.
• Always have a water source, full bucket of water and/or fire-extinguisher, close at hand.
• Make sure your pets are indoors before you begin, to reduce the risk they will run loose or get injured. Animals have sensitive ears and can be frightened or stressed during a fireworks celebration.
• Be sure those watching are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited.
• Use safety eyewear, glasses or goggles, to protect your eyes while igniting fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Do not allow children to play with or light fireworks.
• Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision. While often considered a “safe” firework for the young, the tip of a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees or higher, which can cause third-degree burns.
• If a firework does not light or fire, let it sit for at least 20 minutes then carefully place it in a bucket of water.
• Make sure fireworks are cold before handling and place all used fireworks into a bucket of water.
• Clean up all debris.
• Be sure matches, lighters and any unused fireworks are out of the sight and reach of children before, during and after your celebration.

If you have any questions in regards to firework safety or use on the island, please contact the Upper Captiva Fire Department.