With hurricane season officially underway next month, FISH OF SANCAP is again stepping up to help island residents and workers get stormready. Drawing from the hard-earned lessons of Hurricanes Ian (2022) and Helene and Milton (2024), FISH is inviting the community to a Hurricane Preparedness Seminar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way. Lunch will be provided, and attendees will receive FISH’s updated and invaluable Hurricane Preparedness Packet.
“Our community knows firsthand how quickly a storm can escalate,” says Erika Arnowitz, FISH Senior Services Director, who oversees the program. “We want everyone to feel informed and stay safe, and this seminar gives them the tools to do just that.”
The June 4 seminar features two powerful speakers:
- Daniela Rambhajan, MSW, RCSWI, Community Readiness Coordinator at Lee County Emergency Management, will present the agency’s All Hazards Preparedness overview, offering practical guidance for keeping your household safe before, during and after a storm.
- Tiffannie Nalley, Clinician III with SalusCare, will speak about managing anxiety and PTSD related to storms and how to cope with the emotional toll of disasters, which many are still facing post-Ian and Milton.
The updated FISH Hurricane Preparedness Packet includes essential tips on:
- How to prepare your home ahead of a storm
- Evacuation planning and routes
- Emergency supply checklists
- Local shelter info (all Lee County shelters are pet-friendly)
- Hotel contacts with generator access
- Guidance for vulnerable populations and seniors
“The packet is full of information people truly need. It’s one of the most valuable resources we offer each year,” notes Arnowitz. “We’ve added new content this year based on what we learned from our recovery work post-Ian and Milton — real lessons from our response and from people trying to get back on their feet.”
FISH continues to work one-on-one with vulnerable residents, helping develop evacuation plans and serving as a vital point of contact for out-of-town family members during storm events. Their Hurricane Committee — a volunteer team assisting before, during and after hurricanes — remains a critical component to the program, as do essential partners such as the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties, Lee County Emergency Management, the City of Sanibel and more.
The June 4 seminar is free, and everyone in the community is encouraged to attend. For more information or to receive a Hurricane Packet by mail or email, contact FISH at 239-472-4775 or visit www.fishofsancap.org.
