With hurricane season commencing June 1, Cape Coral experts will host an event to give residents the best information on how to be prepared should a major storm arrive over the next six months.

On June 15 at the German American Club of Cape Coral, the city will host its second annual Hurricane Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The event will showcase representatives from local organizations and agencies that play a key role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery,” Cape Coral Fire Department officials stated.

Agencies taking part will include Cape Coral City Government, Amateur Radio Club, Area Agency on Aging, Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center, Department of Financial Services, Department of Health, LCEC, Lee Health, National Weather Service, and more.

WINK Chief Meteorologist Matt Devitt will provide a 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook presentation from 12:30 to 1 p.m., followed by a preparedness question-and-answer session with Emergency Management officials. There also will be a preparedness area for kids and food trucks onsite.

“The Hurricane Expo is free and open to the public and will provide opportunity to gather essential information, connect with local experts, and become equipped with tool and knowledge to stay safe this hurricane season,” CCFD officials said.

The first 100 attendees will get a free case of water to add to their preparedness kits, courtesy of Midwest Food Bank, and there will be three giveaways of preparedness items/baskets throughout the event.

The German American Social Club at 2101 Southwest Pine Island Road.

Hurricane seminar at The Shell Factory

For those who want to get a jump on season preparedness, a hurricane seminar will be offered at The Shell Factory next Thursday.

The seminar will provide an emphasis on preparation for the hurricane season and recovery procedures should Southwest Florida see a hurricane.

The free seminar will be held Thursday, May 23, beginning at 10 a.m.

The event will feature ABC-7 Chief Meteorologist John Patrick. Representatives from various emergency-related agencies have been invited to share their expertise.

Tables will be provided for presenters to display materials featuring their hurricane information. Presenters will cover topics such as what a hurricane is, when to evacuate, flood damage and storm surge shelters, how to prepare a hurricane kit, what happens after a hurricane, insurance needs, and how to find relief assistance.

Parking is free, the seminar is free, and everyone attending will be given a free pass to the Nature Center at The Shell Factory. Registration forms will be used for door prize drawings.

The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center will be providing a sign language interpreter.

The Shell Factory is at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.

Additional information about the hurricane seminar may be obtained by contacting Chris Forbes at The Shell Factory, Christine@ShellFactory.com, or 239-246-6364.

Tax free holiday

Hurricane season is in effect from June 1 until Nov. 30.

Hurricane Preparedness Week has just completed, but Florida’s tax-free hurricane supplies period will be from June 1 – June 14.

A second tax-free period is scheduled for Aug. 24 – Sept. 6.