Founded as a military post in the mid-1800s.

It later grew into a river city, stretched along the Caloosahatchee, just a few miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.

Sunrise in the city.

For the past few days, a hurricane had been tracked in the Gulf.

Its sudden shift toward Fort Myers in the last hours has residents on edge.

As the city wakes, every phone buzzes with the same alert:

Looks like today’s plans just changed, you’ve got a drive ahead.

And one thought comes quickly to mind:

1. When do you usually refill your car?

Translation: Are you going to lose an hour or two finding a station and waiting in line?

Either way, it’s going to be a busy day whether in the stores or out on the roads.

So …

2. When do you decide to leave?

At some point, you’ll have to leave.

You’re lucky enough to have a place to stay outside the city for a few days.

But that leaves you with one last decision, not a small one regarding the choices you’ve already made.

3. Which route do you take?

The following evening, it turns out the storm’s core passed just a few miles above the city.

Damage is moderate, a few streets flooded, but no casualties reported.

Largely thanks to preparation and to the residents who evacuated.

Either way, evacuation was never optional.

🔍 Your Choices

Let’s review each decision.

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1. When do you usually refill your car?

You never know when an emergency will hit, and not only hurricanes.

At the very least, keep this habit during hurricane season or once the first watches are issued.

And by the way: driving on a full tank is more efficient than on fumes. (some bucks saved!)

2. When do you decide to leave?

Obviously, not everyone has the chance to evacuate, but in this scenario we assume you do (the second case will be the subject of a future edition).

You should have started securing your home as soon as the first watches were issued.

By the morning of the evacuation, only the last tasks should remain

Locking shutters, unplugging appliances...

Because you have to leave as early as possible, even if traffic has already begun.

Who cares to lose a few hours of their life to save their life.

3. Which route do you take?

The best option is always to know your city and its roads.

Having a secondary evacuation route out of town is essential.

And if you think about it, you’ve probably already taken one at some point

Think about the last time Waze rerouted you off the main road because of traffic.

Otherwise, the highway as early as possible is your safest option.

⚖️ The Verdict

Add up your points and see where you stand.

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3–4 points → You might be trapped in the storm.
​👉 Your decisions put you in the worst conditions. By the time you left, the first bands of the storm was probably already there

​

5–6 points → You tempted the storm unnecessarily
👉 Your choices exposed you to unnecessary risks. Luck might see you through, but it would be a very close call.

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7–9 points → You nailed your evacuation
👉 You applied the right reflexes. Nothing is guaranteed with Nature, but you maximized your chances of getting through safely.

📜 Next Week’s Historic Date

Last year…

On October 5, 2024, Hurricane Milton unleashed its first gusts.