Senior Friendship Centers to host hurricane preparation seminars in Sarasota and Venice
When Hurricane Ian struck Florida in September, the storm claimed 149 lives, a majority over the age of 65.
"Seniors were disproportionately affected by Hurricane Ian due to their limited mobility, isolation, and the challenges of evacuating," said Erin McLeod, CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. "We witnessed the profound impact on seniors living independently on fixed incomes who were unable to evacuate. Now, with another hurricane season underway, we must ensure that they have the necessary support and resources to stay safe."
Senior Friendship Centers' Friendship at Home program supports homebound senior clients during times of crises, such as hurricanes. The program ensures that vulnerable seniors receive regular check-ins, reassurance calls, and emergency food and supply bags.
In addition to the Friendship at Home program, Senior Friendship Centers has organized a series of events to empower the community with knowledge, resources, and practical guidance for the hurricane season. Events at the Sarasota Campus, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, include:
· Lunch & Learn: Psychological Well-Being During Hurricane Season presented by Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery and Project HOPE crisis counselor Jenda Cosgrove, July 10, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
· Hurricane Preparedness Kit Presentation – Food Focus led by UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Maria Portelos-Rometo, July 12, 2-3 p.m. Topics include kit assembly, evacuation centers, handling pets, handling food without power, and more.
· Emergency Management Hurricane Prep for Seniors presented by Sarasota County Emergency Management Division Chief Edward McCrane and Emergency Manager Todd Kerkering, July 13, 10-11 a.m. Topics include meal kits, storm restoration, transportation to hurricane evacuation sites, and medical energy dependent client resources.
· Hurricane Weather Pattern Computer System presented by ABC-7 meteorologist, Mike Modrick,July 19, noon-1 p.m. Presentation will focus on how hurricane computer systems operate and how they are used to track hurricanes.
Events at the Venice Campus, 2350 Scenic Drive, include:
· Hurricane Preparedness presented by Sarasota County Emergency Management Division Chief Edward McCrane, July 20, 2-4 p.m. Topics include disaster restoration and recovery services, hurricane supplies and kits.
Senior Friendship Centers has served people 50 and older in Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee counties since 1973 with programs and services that include activity centers, lifelong learning, dining centers and meals delivered to the homebound, caregiver support, adult day services, and volunteer opportunities. For more information, call 941-955-2122 or visit friendshipcenters.org.
Submitted by Jodel Velarde
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Senior Friendship Centers to host hurricane preparation seminars
