Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot. PHOTO PROVIDED

With hurricane season approaching again, island officials are strongly advising the community to be prepared and have a plan to evacuate this year — despite the size of a storm — pointing to the current status of Sanibel-Captiva and recovery efforts still continuing today from last season’s Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane season is recognized as June 1 through Nov. 30.

Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project, which has been predicting the season’s Atlantic basin hurricane activity for 40 years, is forecasting 13 named storms for 2023, with six of those reaching hurricane-level strength. According to its April 13 predication — three more will be released from June to August — two of the storms are anticipated to become “major” hurricanes.

A major hurricane is ranked as a Category 3 storm or higher.

“We anticipate that the 2023 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have slightly below-average activity. Current neutral ENSO conditions look fairly likely to transition to El Niño this summer/fall,” the forecast states. “However, there is considerable uncertainty as to how strong an El Niño would be, if it does develop. Sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Atlantic are much warmer than normal, so if a robust El Niño does not develop, the potential still exists for a busy Atlantic hurricane season.”

It adds that “larger-than-normal uncertainty exists” with the outlook.

“We anticipate a near-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” the forecast states. “As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare … regardless of how much activity is predicted.”

With island structures and infrastructure still being rebuilt after last year’s Category 4 storm, Sanibel and Captiva officials reported that being prepared to evacuate should be the only plan this season.

“Any storm with any kind of energy needs to be looked at as a serious issue for our island,” Sanibel Fire and Rescue District Fire Chief Kevin Barbot said. “Any time city or county officials are talking about voluntary evaluations — our island needs to take it seriously and get out. Do not wait for that mandatory signal.”

He explained that Sanibel-Captiva are barrier islands with low-lying ground and wetlands. In the aftermath of Ian, many buildings and homes may still not be property repaired by the time hurricane season arrives. A Category 1 storm or even a tropical storm could cause more damage than usual.

“I think one of the words that comes to mind with Hurricane Ian is complacency,” Barbot said, explaining that no storm in recent years came close to what it did, which left many not expecting it when it happened. “It created a sort of safety net that was not there — a false sense of security.”

He called the experience a call to take storm preparations seriously.

“This was an eye-opener and a big reminder of what Mother Nature can do,” Barbot said.

Sanibel Fire Capt. John DiMaria explained that advance preparations should entail discussing and creating a plan, including when you will evacuate, where you will go and what you will take.

“The purpose is to ensure that you can get yourself and your family out in a very short amount of time,” he said, adding that leaving early is important. “Have enough time to get out of here.”

The district had one casualty during Ian that could be attributed to leaving the home too late.

“You could 100% tell that they were trying to get to a safe place,” Barbot said. “It was preventable.”

As for what to take, DiMaria recommended some changes of clothes, basic toiletries, needed medications, pet supplies and pet shot records, and important documents like Social Security cards, marriage certificate and insurance information, along with maybe some food items and water.

“It eliminates taking up time to decide what you’re taking,” he said.

Barbot suggested also having a plan for items with lithium batteries, such as e-vehicles and e-bikes.

“Take them off the island with you,” he said, explaining that storm surge-soaked batteries ignited following Ian. “Or maybe keep them away from the home, keep them outside of the garage.”

In preparing one’s property in advance of season, DiMaria recommended removing any remaining downed trees left behind by the last hurricane or at least moving them away from the home. While Ian cleared most of the vegetation, those property owners who need trees trimmed should do that now.

“If they plan to use a generator, making sure they have enough fuel,” he added.

Another advance preparation is signing up for alerts and updates from the city and Lee County, like AlertLee, and following their social media pages, along with those of island emergency agencies.

While Sanibel-Captiva officials are strongly discouraging the community from riding out any storm, especially for the upcoming year, Barbot and DiMaria offered a little advice for those who do it.

“Make sure your home is hurricane or strong storm resistant — make sure you have plenty of food, plenty of water, plenty of self-sustainable options,” Barbot said. “Our (Sanibel Causeway) bridge is not completely rebuilt yet. I believe it will still have plenty of vulnerable areas during this next season.”

“Be ready to be living off the grid for an extended period of time,” DiMaria said.

When a hurricane is near, people should monitor the city and county for evacuation orders.

“So you know what zones are evacuating and when,” Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Chief Jeff Pawul said. “Monitor multiple sources. Local media will give you information for right here.”

He also noted that smaller storms will likely require evacuation due to post-Ian conditions.

“For barrier islands, you should be prepared to evacuate before somebody tells you,” Pawul said.

“We’ve seen what can happen,” he added.

Pawul also pointed out that the causeway is still undergoing permanent repairs.

“Even if the structure you are in is safe, the infrastructure around you may not be safe,” he said.

In the week or days before the hurricane’s arrival, people should get their evacuation items ready.

“Hopefully, you’ve already done your initial preparation. But if you haven’t, gather anything important,” Pawul said, citing documents, medications and cash with the usual storm supplies.

As far as preparing one’s property, now is the time to put up hurricane shutters.

“Bring any lawn or patio furniture inside, so it’s secure,” he said. “You don’t want anything loose around the property that could fly around — or float around.”

Pawul recommended turning off any propane sources or generators, then turning them back on upon returning to the property. He explained that the number of propane leaks after Ian were a safety hazard.

He also suggested turning off the power and water before leaving the home. He noted that turning off the water will prevent possible flooding if any lines break, which could result in a bigger problem.

“You don’t know if something is going wrong if you’re not there,” Pawul said.

Remove lithium battery-powered vehicles and bicycles from the island, or move them away from any structures. As for boats, owners should also take those off-island or secure them as best as possible.

“A lot of people evacuated their boats from lifts,” he said of Ian.

With the arrival of the storm, continue to monitor local officials and media.

“From there, there’s not a lot you can do until one of them says it’s OK to come back,” Pawul said.

He added that emergency crews will evacuate when the public order is given.

“If you do not follow the evacuation orders, just be reminded that emergency services will not be operating during the storm,” Pawul said. “You can’t change your mind and call 911 for help.”

Once the threat passes, police and fire will work with the city, county and other agencies to get the islands cleared as quickly as possible. During evacuations, a checkpoint will be set up at the toll booth at the bridge. As specific zones or areas are cleared, residents and businesses will be allowed back.

The city will reuse the 2021 and 2022 hurricane re-entry passes for this year.

“We break the island up into zones,” Sanibel Police Department Police Chief William Dalton said, explaining that emergency officials may open up the islands as one for re-entry or do it by zone.

“Depending on the damage and how clear the roads are,” he said.

Sanibel and Captiva residents and business owners should make sure that they have their passes. However, Dalton noted, showing their driver’s license with an island address will also get them in.

“Folks will pull up to where the checkpoint is. The checkpoint may be at the causeway bridge or farther up on Summerlin Road,” he said, adding that they next show their valid pass or island driver’s license.

“Then they’ll let the person on through,” Dalton said.

In the aftermath of Ian, the city and SPD are considering possible changes to the program.

“We’re going to have the current one in place for this hurricane season,” he said. “But we do want to make some changes. We’re going to be working on some improvements for the next season.”

One focus is on how to make the system more secure.

“If residents want us to enhance the security of the pass program,” Dalton said, explaining that convenience will suffer. “It would slow down the whole check-in process at the checkpoint.”

He reported that the SPD is working with the city to put together a community survey to gather feedback. It may be an online survey or one people receive in the mail with their utility bill. Dalton explained that the city and SPD are also considering hosting community events to collect input.

Post-hurricane, those using a generator should place it outside and follow the directions.

“The biggest thing is it can never be in the house,” he said, referring to carbon monoxide poisoning.

When cleaning up one’s property following a storm, use caution. Dalton explained that there may be a sense of urgency to return to some semblance of normalcy and people may push themselves too far.

“They might take on more responsibility with operating tools,” he said. “It can lead to an injury.”

Those who have never used power tools before should not now.

“Clean up what you can by hand and see if you can hire a professional that uses those tools,” Dalton said. “Don’t take on more than you can chew — use good common sense.”

On a similar note, he reiterated the main message for this year.

“When an evacuation is ordered, evacuate,” he said.

For more information, visit the city of Sanibel at www.mysanibel.com.

Lee County is at “http://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement”>www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement. It publishes an “All Hazards Guide” that is available at https://www.leegov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/plan/ahg.