Cape Coral hurricane recovery and relief efforts: What you need to know

In case you missed it, this message was posted on the Cape Coral Facebook page earlier today:

Cape Coral along with Lee County and our local, state and federal partners continue infrastructure assessment and repairs, and widespread community recovery.

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Water

Water is not fully restored; however, approximately 85% of city utility customers have water. Residents who have working City water, please conserve water. Use it to flush, & shower - refrain from washing cars, boats, pressure washing and limit machine washing and dishwasher use. Use bottled water to brush teeth, drink, cook.

Once power is restored boil water one minute before drinking or cooking with it.

If you see a water leak or coming out of a manholes report the location of the leak to 311.

A large sailboat sits in the backyard of a waterfront home near the Cape Coral Yacht Club area after being moved by flood waters and wind as a result of Hurricane Ian. Cape Coral showed major signs of damage after strong winds and flood waters impacted areas of the city on Thursday September 29, 2022.The city of Cape Coral showed major signs of damage after strong winds and flood waters as a result of Hurricane Ian impacted areas of the city on Thursday September 29, 2022.

Potable Water Stations

The City is providing free drinking water, but you must bring your own CONTAINER to fill at the following locations:

• Mariner Middle School, 425 Chiquita Blvd N.

• Diplomat Middle School, 1039 NE 16th Terrace

LCEC Update

LCEC’s Communications team have advised City of Cape Coral officials that they have restored power to approximately 5,000 customers. And LCEC announced they plan to have power restored to 95% of their power grid by 10/8. LCEC reports they have 2,000 resources dedicated to the restoration.

Debris Pick-up Update

Waste Pro collections resume on Monday, October 3, using the regular collection schedule. This collection is for household garbage only − everyday trash items and spoiled food. Collection of recycling, horticulture, and bulk waste will resume later.

Streets with low power lines or branches preventing garbage trucks from collecting trash will have an alternate collection process. The City will work with Waste Pro to log these streets and collect the garbage.

Unlicensed Contractors

Beware of contractor fraud! The City of Cape Coral urges residents to protect themselves from contractor fraud. Scammers are known to prey on homeowners in crisis and do not have your best interest at heart. Victims wind up with unexpected out of pocket costs, low quality work and long delays. Do NOT sign a contract with a vendor you have not vetted. Ask to see their license and insurance.

Need Information?

The City is using all methods at our disposal to send information and important messages to our Cape Coral residents. We have information on our website at www.capecoral.gov, facebook, press releases to our media partners, we are in regular contact with local media, we have broadcast information out on five (5) local radio stations, we continue to update our website and have created information flyers in English and Spanish, which are being handed out at all Cape Coral fire stations (except Fire Station 10), Cape Coral Police Department and City Hall and at Points of Distribution.

Points of Distribution open with Food and Water

Currently the City has one location open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

• Cape Coral Sports Complex, 1410 Sports Boulevard

For a list of Lee County locations visit: www.capecoral.gov

Streets of Cape Coral

City crews continue to clear streets of debris from major roadways and local streets. Call the City’s Call Center, 3-1-1 if you identify any streets that were not cleared.

Motorists should continue to limit all non-essential travel. City Transportation staff and Lee Department of Transportation are assessing traffic signals. Motorists who approach intersections with non-working signals, treat it as a four-way stop or obey any on-scene law enforcement officers.

Bridges are being assessed and evaluated. Lee County has advised the following bridges are closed: Sanibel Causeway, three bridges in Matlacha, New Pass, Big Carlos Pass Bridge and Big Hickory Pass Bridge.

Donations

• The City of Cape Coral is accepting donations of water and non-perishable food only at our Special Populations Building located at 410 Santa Barbara Blvd. from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

• If you want to donate or volunteer, we recommend contacting the Red Cross, Volunteer Florida or contact the United Way at 2-1-1.

• You can donate to the Florida Disaster Fund raising money to support communities impacted by Hurricane Ian. To contribute, visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

Need help?

If you need help with damage clean up from Hurricane Ian contact Crisis Cleanup at 800-451-1954.

You can also register for FEMA assistance at www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian .

Well-Being Check for Family and Friends

Call the City Call Center at 3-1-1 to request a well-being check for loved ones you have lost contact with following Hurricane Ian.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cape Coral relief and recovery: Details on post-Hurricane Ian plans