| Monday, September 6, 2010 | 
Tonight: Partly cloudy with a low of 80
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Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes, Red Tide and Sharks! Oh My! Taking the Mystique Out of Florida Vacations
From time to time a natural phenomenon takes place that becomes a top media event, especially when there is not much news to report! Hurricanes, red tide and sharks are a part of life in Florida. Armed with information and common sense, one can plan accordingly and enjoy vacationing in the Englewood-Cape Haze area to the fullest.
Hurricane season is from May 1 through November 30. Generally our area is most active late August through October.
In this age of technology it is rare a storm comes in unannounced. Hurricanes are found and tracked from their infancy so an abundance of timely information and warnings are available. One only needs to check the television, radio or internet once a day to stay informed. If you do find yourself in the area when warnings are issued be sure to obey evacuation orders immediately for the safety of you and your family. And contact Emergency Management for additional information if you or a family member have special needs.
Important Emergency Information Sources:
Radio
WBCG-FM (98.9) Punta Gorda
WGCU-FM (90.1) Fort Myers
WIKX-FM (92.9) Punta Gorda
WINK-FM (96.9) Fort Myers
WCVU-FM (104.9) Punta Gorda
WINK – AM (1240) Fort Myers
WENG – AM (1530) ENGLEWOOD
WCCF-AM (1580) – Punta Gorda
Television Channel Cable
WINK 11 5
WBBH 20 2
WZVN 26 7
WXLT 40 10
WFTX 36 4
SNN 6 6
Emergency Phone Numbers
Emergency Management – Charlotte County 941-505-4620
Emergency Management – Charlotte County W. County (Englewood) 941-475-7987
Emergency Management – Sarasota County 941-861-5300
Websites
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov
Florida Emergency Management www.floridadisaster.org
Charlotte County Emergency Management www.charlottecountyfl.com/emergency.htm
National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.ready.gov
Red Tide is an algae bloom found in the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the time it is way off the coast. Only when it reaches the shoreline will it affect your stay. At this time there is no way to accurately predict when it may appear. Usually only those residing by the shore are affected. Red Tide causes an irritation in the throat and nose, and coughing. If you suffer from respiratory problems you should remain in doors and contact your physician. Unfortunately, since Red Tide can appear quickly depending on the winds and currents, if you have an respiratory condition you may want to plan your vacation away from the beach and stay in one of the fine pool side homes available throughout the Cape Haze Area. There are also motels to choose from that are inland. You are only a short drive to the beach!
Red Tide Information Sources
Mote Marine – (941) 388-4441 www.mote.org
Sharks – just another neighbor in paradise!
Ask yourself this: would I really want to live in a world without sharks? If your answer is yes, then consider that sharks have been around for millions of years and keep our oceans clean. They are important to the ecological balance of our oceans. In the Gulf we have a variety of sharks. While they are present all the time, they are usually found in deep waters or around inlets. During the months the Tarpon run sharks are more noticeable because of the abundant food source. Swimming at our beaches has been perfectly safe without incident for many years. It is advisable to stay out of the water after dusk because sharks come in to shallow water to feed. If you are diving or spear fishing, talk to your instructors or dive boat captains on proper safety and take their advice! Relax and enjoy your vacation in the Englewood-Cape Haze!
