Preparedness Planning

Planning before an emergency is crucial because individuals, families, and communities are able to respond effectively and recover quickly.
Our preparedness protects lives, property, and resources.

Step 1: Know Your Risks
Step 2: Know Your Resources
Step 3: know Your Plan

Step 1: Know Your Risks

Knowing your risks in disaster planning is essential because it allows you to prepare effectively for the specific hazards that could impact you.

Threats and Hazards

FGCU is prone to various natural and technological hazards. Visit our Threats and Hazards page to find out more information on potential risks to the university. .

threats and hazards

Evacuation Zones

Evacuation zones identify areas prone to storm surge inundation during a tropical cyclone event and are determined by local emergency managers. Evacuation zones do not relate to inland flooding or flood zones. To find your evacuation zone, visit the Florida Department of Emergency Management page on evacuation zones.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Flood Zones

Flood maps show a community’s flood risk. They provide information to residents regarding the risk of property flooding from general flooding due to various factors like heavy rainfall, swollen rivers, and coastal flooding. Flood zones do not relate to storm surge.

Visit the FEMA Flood Zones and Map page to learn more about the different flood zones

Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, enter your address, and see flood hazard information for that location.

FEMA Flood Map Service Center

National Risk Index

The National Risk Index is a dataset and online tool to help illustrate the United States communities most at risk for 18 natural hazards. Use the interactive National Risk Index Map to visually explore natural hazard risk data across the United States.

National Risk Index

Step 2: Know Your Resources

FGCU Emergency Response Guide
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The FGCU Emergency Response Guide (ERG) is a resource community members can access to see how they can do their part in contributing to a unified university response. The ERG is broken down into 5 categories:
- General Campus Safety
- Evacuation
- Fire and Chemical Safety
- Weather-related Safety
- Potential Threats
Lee County All Hazards Guide
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FLHSMV Emergency Contact Information (ECI) Program
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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Emergency Contact Information (ECI) Program allows only law enforcement nationwide to access contact information for designated family or friends in response to an emergency situation. Click here for more information and to enter your emergency contact information for up to two designated people.
Special Needs Shelters
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Special needs shelters are a function of local county emergency management. The Florida Department of Health, in coordination with its county health departments and each local emergency management agency in the state, developed a registry for persons with special needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster.
Health Related Preparedness
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Florida Health’s Bureau of Preparedness and Response has put together a list of disaster behavioral health resources.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tips on food and water safety during emergencies
Florida Statutes (Statute 252.358 and Statue 465.0275) state you may be able to receive up to a 30-day supply of prescription medicine in advance when a tropical cyclone threatens your location.
Pet Preparedness
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FEMA Individuals and Households Program
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Disaster Recovery Centers
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Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) provide guidance regarding disaster recovery, clarification of any written correspondence received, and housing assistance and rental resource information. DRCs also provide referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance. They are set up after a disaster occurs to assist with community recovery.

Step 3: Know Your Plan

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Family Emergency Communication Plan

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Family Emergency Plan

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Disaster Kit Checklist

Preparedness is a shared responsibility.

Emergencies affect everyone, requiring individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to work together. Let's do our part and get #ReadyTogether.