CAPE CORAL, Fla --- On the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma and just days following Hurricane Dorian, Big Storm Brewing wants to make sure Floridians are prepared for the rest of this year’s hurricane season. 

Big Storm will be hosting a Hurricane Expo at its Cape Coral brewery on Friday, September 13^th from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., exactly two years after Hurricane Irma whipped through Florida. In September 2017, the storm brought wind gusts of 101 mph through Cape Coral, leaving floods, unimaginable debris and chaos in her wake.

“Hurricane Irma hit us hard in Cape Coral, and we know it’s only a matter of time before the next big storm hits. We’re just trying to do our part to help our local community be prepared and safe. Events like these are important and can save lives,” said Big Storm Cape Coral taproom manager John Schroeder. 

Big Storm’s Hurricane Expo will give residents a chance to learn about making emergency plans with experts from Cape Coral police and fire departments, Lee County Emergency Management, and the Florida Department of Emergency management.

"Sheltering is a problem. In Cape Coral there's only one Red Cross approved shelter, which is Island Coast High School. We do our best to support that, but again that is the only approved shelter because of Cape Coral's low elevation. The best way you can help us is by following evacuation orders,” Cape Coral Fire Chief Ryan Lamb said.

At the event, Cape Coral officials will be on hand to discuss the recently revamped flood zone maps. Residents can check updates to the flood zones and their risk for flooding by clicking here.

In addition to emergency responders, representatives from LCEC power, Lee County Transit Authority, Public Works, Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Red Cross and Salvation Army will also offer tips on preparing for the next storm.

“For those who decide to stay and wait out a hurricane, you could potentially be without power and services for weeks in the storm’s aftermath. It’s essential to prepare survival kits with water, non-perishable food, supplies and medications. People evacuating should take their kits with them and notify loved ones of their travel plans,” Chief Lamb said.

Big Storm Brewing hosted its first Hurricane Expo last year at its Clearwater taproom. Proceeds of beer sales at the events benefit local disaster relief organizations. 

Florida’s hurricane season runs June 1st until Nov 30th.