Hurricane Milton Recovery Updates

Re-Entry Pass Restriction Lifted

The Town’s main goals are the safety and protection of our residents. Now that most of the sand and debris have been cleared from the roads and power has been restored to majority of the Island, we feel comfortable lifting the Hurricane Re-entry Pass Program effective tomorrow, October 12, 2024, at 7:00 a.m.

The curfew will remain in place from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. until further notice.

Disaster Recovery Debris Pick-Up

The Town is mobilizing our disaster recovery provider, Crowder Gulf, and FEMA monitor, Tetra Tech, for Hurricane Milton Debris pickup! This team will be collecting four types of storm debris. Each type needs to be in a separate pile in order to be collected.

The four types include:
– Electronic Waste
– Construction Debris (C&D)
– Vegetation
– Appliances

How to put debris out:
– Electronic waste such as computers, printers, copiers, scanners and televisions should be placed in a separate pile.
– Construction and demolition debris includes carpet, furniture, shingles, fencing and other debris resulting from storm damage to homes and structures. This debris will be collected from the curb on multiple passes.
– Vegetative debris includes tree branches, logs and plants. This debris should not be bagged and can be left at the curb. This debris will be collected on multiple passes.
– Appliances can be left at the curb with all food removed. This debris will be picked up on multiple passes.

Collection will begin on Monday, October 14, 2024. Please begin placing your storm debris at the curb throughout the week to ensure you have ample time to have it removed.

Boil Water Notice

Although you now have water, the entire Island is currently under a boil water notice. Two consecutive days of satisfactory bacteriological water samples must show that the water is safe to drink before the boil water notice is lifted.

From The Florida Department Of Health – Lee County

All Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) offices will remain closed until Friday, October 11, 2024.

DOH-Lee Urges Residents to Avoid Beaches and Pools After Hurricane Milton

Public Beaches

Heavy winds and rain can negatively impact coastal waters. Excessive amounts of rain and storm surge can increase the levels of harmful bacteria in these waters. The sources of the bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks, overflowing manholes, and wildlife.

Debris brought onto beaches by storm surge and floodwaters can be hazardous and may carry harmful bacteria. No one should handle debris without proper safety equipment.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in coastal waters until bacterial testing shows an acceptable level in accordance with state guidelines. Testing will begin as soon as conditions are safe, and areas are accessible. Test results can be accessed at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

Swimming Pools

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in any pool until it has been properly cleaned and is fully functional. Public swimming pools need to be approved for opening by DOH-Lee. A fully functional pool has:

• Been cleared of debris that may cause injury
• Operating filtration and chemical treatment equipment
• Life-saving equipment available
• Clear water with visible drain covers on the pool floor
• Properly balanced chemicals with disinfectant and pH at safe levels

Flood Safety Tips

DOH-Lee recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

• Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
• Avoid eating for drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
• Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
• If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
• Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly.

• Using generators indoors, including garages, can cause carbon monoxide to build up leading to death. Only use all gas-powered or charcoal burning equipment outside, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, vents, and air intakes.
• Symptoms of CO poisoning include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, stomach pain, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, vision problems, loss of consciousness, chest pains for people with heart disease, and in some cases, death.
• If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911 or the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Mosquito Bite Prevention

DRAIN standing water:

• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that aren’t being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.
  Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER your skin:

• If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
• Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to their labels. Repellents with 10-30% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 tend to be most effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Mold Clean Up

• Take it out: Anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be taken outside for waste removal.
• Air out: Open all doors and windows when you are removing wet or moldy materials, or when cleaning moldy surfaces.
• Scrub surfaces: Clean with water and detergent. Remove all mold you can see. Dry right away.
• Don’t cover it, remove it: Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing. Dry it out and remove all the mold before you paint or caulk.
• Consider your medical status: Individuals with suppressed or impaired immune systems, mold allergies, asthma, or other chronic lung disease should not clean or remove moldy materials.

From Lee County Government

From Visit Florida

The Expedia Emergency Accommodations Module, Priceline Emergency Accommodations Portal, and the Booking.com Portal  have been opened to provide real-time information on hotel availability for any residents or visitors seeking a place to stay.

Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline:

Report violations online or via the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline at 1-866-966-7226.

Electric Vehicle Safety

Follow these fire safety tips if your EV, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle was flooded during Hurricane Milton (this includes ebikes and golf carts):

• Leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to vent from the passenger compartment.
• If the vehicle is being stored indoors, and can be moved, move it outside into an open-air location. If it cannot be moved, try to keep the storage area open and vented.
• Unplug and do not attempt to charge the vehicle.
• Disable the vehicle by chocking the wheels, placing the gearshift in park, and removing the ignition key and/or disconnecting the 12V battery.
• Avoid contact with the HV battery especially if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery.
• Follow manufacturers recommendations for your specific vehicle.