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| August 20, 2008 |
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Best hurricane strategy — be prepared and prayHURRICANE RESOURCESDisaster Supplies Kit List National Hurricane Center Florida Catholic Conference FEMA NOAA ORLANDO | Be prepared: It’s not just for Boy Scouts anymore. That mantra is meaningful for Floridians during the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and lasts until November. “Be prepared” is a mantra Florida’s governor urges all residents to take seriously. In an address to more than 2,600 emergency managers, first responders and volunteer agencies during the general session of the 22nd annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference May 14 in Fort Lauderdale, Gov. Charlie Crist announced he would be sign a proclamation declaring May 25-31, 2008, as Florida Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs in tandem with the national preparedness outreach week across hurricane-prone states. “We have learned that everyone has a role to play and a responsibility to prepare to the best of their ability,” Gov. Crist said. “We know that we must stand together in order to be prepared for future storms that may come our way. … I have witnessed the unselfish efforts by thousands of Florida responders over the past year who answered the call, again and again, to help their fellow Floridians.” One of the keys to preparing for the season is developing a personal/family preparation plan. That would include making sure structures are safe and supplies are in stock. The state’s www.FloridaDisaster.org takes Web visitors through a step-by-step process to create a safety and evacuation plan. Prayer for protection from stormsGod, our Father, Creator of the Universe and Lord over all creation, we humbly stand before you as your children in thanksgiving for your loving care and protection. We ask that you keep us safe from all hurricanes which may threaten us in the coming seasons. Protect us from all the fear and anxiety of storms and give us an ardent trust and hope in Your love and mercy. You alone have the power to command the sea, the wind, and the rain. You alone bring peace, calm, and safety. Father, we thank you in advance, for you are our only Refuge. We ask this through Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Catholic institutions and communities also work to prepare for the season. Check out your local parish or Catholic school if there are any items in need to prepare. Catholic Charities also serves as a good resource for both assistance and donations, especially for disaster preparedness. Below are online listings for Catholic Charities across Florida: • Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida: catholiccharitiesnwfl.org/articles/42-Hurricane-Preparedness This Web site includes information how to prepare when going to a shelter (including special needs shelters) and shelter locations in the area. • Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org/Services/DisasterResponse/Default.htm This Web site includes information on the Diocesan Amateur Radio Network, known as DARN, which provides emergency/back-up communications for Catholic Charities Disaster Response Teams. DARN assists relief workers through a group of UHF/VHF base radio stations in Venice, Port Charlotte, Naples, Fort Myers and Arcadia. Operators man the base stations or personal radio equipment at home or in vehicles and volunteer licensed FCC amateur radio operators are always needed. • Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Miami: www.catholiccharitiesadm.org/what_we_do.htm#DisasterResponse • Catholic Charities of Central Florida: www.ccorlando.org/programs/disaster.aspx This Web site includes information on how to receive assistance, but also how to donate, volunteer and support disaster services. • Catholic Charities Palm Beach Diocese: www.diocesepb.org/charities • Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg: www.ccdosp.com
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