On Sunday, Jan. 16, a tornado touched ground in Fort Myers and was rated EF-2 with max winds of 118mph, the first EF-2 in Southwest Florida in six years. Although it was on the ground for less than two miles, it damaged 108 mobile homes and injured three people across Point Breeze, Tropicana, and Century 21 communities.

On behalf of FGCU’s Emergency Management Director Ruth Rodrigues, thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by the devastating tornadoes in Southwest Florida last weekend. If there are employees are students who have been impacted by this severe weather, there are resources available. FGCU offers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and Student Care Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for students. FGCU encourages everyone to reach out for help in any way they need it.

Cleanup and relief efforts continue, and FGCU urges members of the campus community to help out however they can. Monetary donations can be made to the SWFL Tornado Relief Fund through the Collaboratory, in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties (Only monetary donations are being accepted at this time).

FGCU’s Emergency Response Guide outlines specific campus protocol regarding several potential emergencies, including tornado warnings, and encourages students to use the Rave Guardian app to receive alerts by text, email, social media, and other platforms. It is also important for everyone to sign to receive alerts for their county and prepare to the best of their ability for emergencies.