Hurricane Resources Collier and Lee Counties

Living in Southwest Florida means enjoying sunshine and coastal beauty year-round—but it also means being prepared for hurricane season. For individuals and families touched by Parkinson’s disease, preparation is especially important to ensure safety, continuity of care, and peace of mind.

The Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has gathered trusted resources, checklists, and emergency contacts for Collier and Lee Counties to help you prepare before, during, and after a storm. From evacuation routes and shelter locations to medical planning and utility contacts, these resources are designed to help you and your loved ones stay safe and connected when it matters most.

Preparing for hurricane season in SWFL with Parkinson’s disease? 

1. Create a Personalized Emergency Plan
Begin by developing a plan tailored to your needs. Make a list of essential medications, medical devices, and supplies you rely on daily. Keep an updated medication schedule and talk with your neurologist about having an extra supply on hand during hurricane season. Share your plan with care partners and family members so everyone knows what to do if evacuation is needed.
2. Build a Parkinson ’s-Specific Emergency Kit
In addition to standard hurricane supplies (water, food, flashlights, and batteries), include items that specifically support Parkinson’s care. These may include:

• Extra prescriptions and pill organizers
• Mobility aids (canes, walkers, or wheelchairs)
• Copies of medical records and physician contacts
• Comfort items to reduce stress, such as weighted utensils or adaptive tools

3. Know Your Local Resources in SWFL
Lee and Collier counties provide shelters, emergency hotlines, and special needs registries for residents with medical conditions. Register early with your county’s special needs program to ensure access to electricity, refrigeration for medication, or transportation assistance if an evacuation is required.
4. Stay Connected with Support Networks
Isolation can increase anxiety during storm season, but support makes a difference. Stay in touch with family, neighbors, and local organizations like the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida. Having a network means you don’t face emergencies alone.
5. Practice Calm and Preparedness
Stress and uncertainty can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms, especially tremors. Practicing mindfulness, breathing exercises, and light stretching can help ease tension while you prepare. Knowing you have a plan in place creates a sense of security.
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Being prepared is the best way to reduce stress and protect your health during hurricane season. Take time now to review the information below, make a plan, and share it with your family and care partners.

Collier County Resources

• Emergency Alerts (Alert Collier):
  Sign up for real-time notifications via phone, email, or text.
  Website: Collier County Emergency Management—Hurricane Prep (Collier Clerk)
• Evacuation Tools:
  Use the online tool to find your evacuation zone and nearest shelter. Includes pet-friendly shelter info. (Collier Clerk)
• Special Needs Shelter Registration:
  Call Collier County Health Department's Disaster Preparedness program at 239-252-8200 or visit their site to register. (Florida Department of Health in Collier)
• Right of Entry Form (Private Roads):
  Required annually for gated or private communities to allow debris removal access. Fill it electronically. (Collier County)
• Hurricane Supply Kit Checklist:
  Includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, meds, flashlights, batteries, important documents (kept waterproof), cash, and pet supplies. (Collier Clerk)
• Emergency Hotlines & Contacts:
  • General Emergency: 911
  • Collier County Emergency Hotline: 311 or 239-252-8444 (Byron Donalds)
• Health and Public Safety:
  Florida DOH Collier Disaster Prep Hotline: 1.866.786.4673 (24/7) (Florida Department of Health in Collier)

Lee County Resources

• Hurricane Preparation Guide:
  Includes evacuation zones, routes, shelters, technology like the LeePrepares app, and family planning tools. (Lee County Government)
• Alerts & Apps:
  Download the LeePrepares app, sign up for AlertLee, or follow Lee County Public Safety on social media. (Lee County Government)
• Emergency Contact Info:
  • Emergency (Police/Medical): 911
  • Lee County Storm Hotline: 211
  • Lee County Emergency Management: 239-533-0622 (Byron Donalds, Visit Fort Myers)
• Healthcare Planning:
  Lee Health’s checklist covers prepping medical docs and supplies, planning for power loss, and emergency plans. (Lee Health)
• State Health Resources:
  The Florida Department of Health provides a public health emergency line: 800-342-3557, plus guidance on special needs shelters and early prescription refills during emergencies. (Florida Department of Health)

Additional Essential Resources

• FEMA: Apply for federal disaster assistance.
  Phone: 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585); or via DisasterAssistance.gov or FEMA mobile app. (Byron Donalds, Florida Education Assn.)
• Legal Aid (Floridawide):
  For help with insurance claims, contractors, wills, FEMA appeals, and more.
  Florida Disaster Legal Services: 1-866-550-2929 (Naples, FL)
• National Weather & Traffic Alerts:
  • National Hurricane Center: nhc.noaa.gov
  • Florida 511 Traffic Updates: visit FL511.com or dial 511 (Visit Fort Myers)

Preparedness Checklist at a Glance

• Sign up for Alert Collier (Collier County) or AlertLee (Lee County)
• Download emergency apps: Collier (Collier Cares), Lee (LeePrepares), FEMA App
• Identify evacuation zones/routes and locate shelters (including pet-friendly)
• Prepare home: trim trees, board windows, secure outdoor items
• Assemble hurricane kit: food, water (1 gal/person/day), meds, documents, cash, pet supplies
• Register for special needs shelter if applicable
• Check insurance, document property with photos/videos, understand your coverage
• Plan for power loss and early prescription refills (State DOH resources)
• Gather emergency contact numbers – law enforcement, hospitals, hotlines
• Ensure vehicle is fueled; have alternate evacuation routes ready
• Post-storm: use FEMA assistance, legal aid, safe re-entry procedures, and support services

Quick Reference Contacts

• Collier & Lee County Emergency (Police/Fire)911
• Emergency Hotline311 / 239-252-8444
• Storm Hotline: 211
• Counties EM Office(239) 252-3600(239) 533-0622
• Special Needs Registry DOH: 1.866.786.4673(see Lee Co Prep Guide online)
• FEMA Assistance1-800-621-33621-800-621-3362
• Legal Aid Hotline—1-866-550-2929
• State Health EM—800-342-3557

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Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Preparing for extreme weather is a burden for anyone in the path of a storm or fire. People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their caregivers should take these tips into consideration to ensure that all PD-related needs are accounted for when preparing for a hurricane or any other natural disaster:
Emergency Preparedness Checklist

1. Check all your medications. Take inventory of all medications and reorder any that are running low.
2. Write your medication list down. Write down or print a list of all your medications (not just PD medications). Print our customizeable medication form.
3. Make a list of your doctors. Include their contact information and take the list with you if you need to evacuate your home.
4. Download hospital safety materials. In the event you need to educate an emergency responder or health care professional about your PD needs, have your hospital safety guide ready to go. Download and print contents today.
5. Gather water and food. Medications may require that they be taken with a meal or water. Buy enough water and food to last three to five days in the event of a weather emergency. 
6. Have your Medical Alert Card handy. Print yours here. 
7. Practice anxiety reduction techniques. Stress can worsen PD symptoms. Download a meditation app or distract yourself with books or activities.
8. Know your nearest shelter. Visit the Red Cross website to find yours.

List from the Parkinson's Foundation

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SPECIAL NEEDS EMERGENCY RESOURCES

A Special Needs Shelter is designated for individuals with specific needs as defined in the Florida Administrative Code (Chapter 64-3):
"someone who during periods of evacuation or emergency, requires sheltering assistance, due to physical impairment, mental impairment, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities."
Basic Eligibility Criteria:

1. You have special medical needs.
2. Your care requirements exceed the basic first aid available at general population shelters.
3. Your impairments or disabilities are medically stable and do not surpass the capacity, staffing, and equipment of the special needs shelter, ensuring the maintenance of your pre-event health level.

Note: Having a disability does not automatically necessitate the use of a Special Needs Shelter. Many individuals with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter. Ideally, the best places to shelter for every Floridian are:

1. With friends or family.
2. In a safe structure.
3. Outside the evacuation area.

Post-Hurricane Resources

AFTER THE STORM
Click the links below for Additional Recovery Resources:

• FNA Disaster Resources ​
• Volunteer Florida​
• Tools to Recover (FEMA)
• Florida Chamber Safety Council Hurricane Resources