Coast Guard Foundation Readies for Hurricane Season
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season will again be above average. When these disasters occur, Coast Guard members are often first responders – leaving their families and impacted homes and property behind to aid others in distress.
The Coast Guard Foundation offers immediate relief to Coast Guard members who suffer uncovered losses due to emergencies and natural disasters. It assesses member and family needs and makes sure they quickly get resources to bounce back from the devastation.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season will again be above average. When these disasters occur, Coast Guard members are often first responders – leaving their families and impacted homes and property behind to aid others in distress.
The Coast Guard Foundation offers immediate relief to Coast Guard members who suffer uncovered losses due to emergencies and natural disasters. It assesses member and family needs and makes sure they quickly get resources to bounce back from the devastation.
In 2021 the Coast Guard Foundation provided more than $378,000 in emergency relief to 244 families impacted by natural disasters, with significant investments in families affected by Hurricane Ida. A program partnership with the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association guarantees quick delivery of aid to help Coast Guard members in their time of need.
“Coast Guard members tirelessly answer the call when needed most,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Keeping their focus on the mission at hand while their families may also be impacted by severe weather is an added challenge. The Coast Guard Foundation is there to assist these brave men and women concentrate on serving their communities and getting home safely.”
“I think it’s important to know that Coast Guard members live where they work,” said Brian Overcast, Coast Guard Foundation regional director. “When a storm comes ashore, whether in New Orleans, South Florida, or Texas, those Coast Guard members have to be out saving lives, protecting property, helping pull people out of the water, all the things you see on the news. Meanwhile, the power is out at home, their roofs have been blown off, and cars are submerged.”
How does the Coast Guard Foundation help Coast Guard members when an emergency disaster strikes?
When a hurricane or other natural disaster impacts an area where Coast Guard members work and live, the Coast Guard Foundation activates its emergency disaster relief program in coordination with the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association. Members complete a simple 1-page application detailing their contact information, emergency needs, and grant request. CGF and CPOA verify eligibility within five business days, and a grant check is issued so the critical work of rebuilding and repairing can begin immediately.
