With the official start of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season getting under way this weekend, Cape Coral residents have a few opportunities to hear from local officials and experts on how to best be prepared in case of an impending storm.

On June 13, the Cape Coral Contraction Industry Association will host its first inaugural Hurricane Preparedness Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron.

The event is free and open to the public, with a specific focus on education for the local community. According to CCCIA officials, the expo aims to provide insights and resources to help mitigate the impact of future storms. Attendees will hear from industry experts, engage in networking with local storm-related companies, and can view essential products and services for disaster preparedness.

“The expo is a great way for the association to contribute to disaster preparedness and resilience while also connecting our members to the residents of the City of Cape Coral,” said CCCIA Executive Director Lynn Boldissar.

The event will showcase 20-plus storm related local companies that play a role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. All attendees will receive a first edition CCCIA Hurricane Guide with preparation tips, checklist, storm facts, emergency contacts, special considerations, and a list of local companies. FOX4 Meteorologist Katie Walls will provide a 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook presentation at 1 p.m.

“Being prepared can help you, your family and your business minimize the impact of a storm,” Boldissar said. “The CCCIA supports local businesses by participating in the city’s Emergency Operations Team and coordinating access to local resources during and after disasters.”

The CCCIA’s hurricane guide is tailored to assist individuals in preparing for, enduring, and recovering from a storm. Readers will find a hurricane checklist and essential contact information. The CCCIA also has included an evacuation zone map specific to Cape Coral, along with details on shelter locations.

The expo will feature booths from SABAL Construction and Roofing LLC, Property Heroes Pre Loss Protection, Vega Roofing Solutions, Shutters239, Garage Door Works LLC, Remediation 911 Water Fire Mold Inc, Southwest Waste Services, WB Williamson Bros Inc., Generators by Design, Poseidon Homes, Aubuchon Homes, Caner Impact Windows, Meraki Installers, Certified Roofing Solutions, Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions, Tudor Villas, On Track Doors, Shulte Construction Inc, iMold, Quantum Fiber, Zoom Drain, AA Glass and Windows, Christopher Alan Homes, Fox 4 News and more.

“The safety and resilience of our community are paramount,” said CCCIA President Eric Glocer. “By equipping businesses and residents with the knowledge and resources they need to prepare for hurricanes, we can work together to safeguard our homes, businesses, and livelihoods. CCCIA will continue to relentlessly serve Southwest Florida with knowledge and tools to ensure we are ready if nature hits again.”

The event is free to attend, though registration is required by visiting www.cccia.org.

Cape Coral Sail and Power Squadron is at 917 S.E. 47th Terrace.

City of Cape Coral Hurricane Expo

Cape Coral emergency management personnel 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 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 (NWS), 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 will also be a preparedness area for kids and food trucks on site.

“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 tools 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.