Be Safe In Fort Myers

Safety

The atmosphere around Fort Myers is completely non-intimidating and as a visitor, you are likely to be quite safe provided you act sensibly and observe a few caveats.

As in any city, street crime is something to watch out for in Fort Myers. Visitors should be wary of carrying too much cash or items of high value about their person. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office website (www.sheriffleefl.org/) provides some fairly obvious but sensible advice for anyone living in or visiting the area. Top tips include: behaving calmly and confidently and looking like you know where you are going at all times; only use ATMs during daytime hours; have your key in your hand before you go to your car and lock the doors once inside; do not wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements; and finally, always carry a fully charged cell phone with you.

Pickpocketing and con-artistry are common ways in which criminals can non-violently relieve you of your money and valuables, so be alert at all times and in the latter case, never give your bank details to anyone you meet on the street.

Police:  911

Health

Aside from crime, there are few threats to the health and safety of visitors to Fort Myers. The city is free from water borne diseases and tap water is safe to drink, although perhaps not especially palatable. Being a tropical state, mosquitoes can be an issue and although malaria is all but extinct, visitors are still advised to spray uncovered areas of their bodies before heading out in the evening. During the day, the sun is the most obvious threat to health and visitors are advised to wear sunscreen at all times. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll be safe if the temperature is not especially high; the proximity of Florida to the equator means the sun’s effects are magnified considerably.

Hospitals and pharmacies can be found throughout the city and visitors are strongly advised to take out travel insurance with appropriate health care provision to avoid having to pay inflated fees from their own pockets in the event of an accident or illness. A good insurance policy will additionally reimburse you in the event of money or belongings being lost, damaged or stolen.

General Hospital: +1 239 332 1111