In advance of Hurricane Milton, Cape Coral officials encourage residents to execute their hurricane plans, secure their homes, and leave if their residence is prone to flooding.

“Our City Emergency Operation Center has been closely monitoring Hurricane Milton. We anticipate the county will make evacuation determinations later today,” Mayor John Gunter said at a press conference late Monday morning. “If you are in an evacuation zone, I urge you to prepare to leave early. Evacuation doesn’t mean you have to leave the state. Just find someone out of the flood zone – a family member, or friend and go to their residence. Shelters should be the last resort. They can be crowded and uncomfortable and may lose power. If possible, find other accommodations with family and friends for a more comfortable experience for waiting out the storm.”

Lee County issued and emergency alert labeled “extreme” at 12:30 calling for evacuations for Lee countians in flood zones Zone A and Zone B. The alerts calls for evacuations by Tuesday evening.

The only shelter in Cape Coral is Island Coast High School. The shelter was opened, according to Lee County’s noon press conference.

Gunter encourages residents to make sure their home is secure by putting storm shutters up and making sure all the loose debris around the house, as well as patio furniture, is secured.

Emergency Management and Resiliency Director Ryan Lamb said now is the time to execute that hurricane plan. He encourages residents to visit the city’s website, www.capecoral.gov for the Cape Coral Hurricane Guide due to its many resources. He said it might fill in some of the gaps of someone’s plan.

“It is important to know your zone when and if evacuations are called for. You don’t have to wait for an evacuation order. If your home flooded during Hurricane Ian, or Hurricane Helene, there is a strong likelihood on the current forecast that your home will flood again,” Lamb said, adding that if that is a concern, make that plan to exit.

Gunter said with Milton on track to become a major category four storm, residents in those low-lying areas take the warning and make sure you are prepared.

“Residents in those low-lying areas, please take the warning and make sure you are prepared. If you are in those areas, I would recommend that you move outside of those areas, especially if you are in a flood zone to make sure you are your family are safe,” Gunter said.

Lamb also addressed the use of sandbags.

“Research shows that sandbags are not very effective against storm surge,” he said. “Most homes require over 300 sandbags to have them properly secured. So, we recommend you look at other resources to do that. We encourage you to look at other barriers that are more effective than those sandbags.”

Lamb said sandbags can block exits and become hazardous material because they absorb the toxins in the flood water.

The city has sent crews out to the west, south and east side of Cape Coral to ensure storm drains are clear and ready to handle the storm coming.

Lamb said they have lowered weirs, but do not have the ability to block out canals as they are directly connected to the Gulf of Mexico.

If communication and power go down, he said City Hall and fire stations will be open as information stations.