Prepare for the 2020 Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is upon us and we all need to ensure we are ready for whatever comes our way. At the Coast Guard Foundation, we are preparing now in the event of an active season, as when natural disasters like hurricanes strike, Coast Guard members are often first responders leaving their own families, and impacted homes and property behind to aid others in distress.
When disaster strikes, we assess member and family needs through our disaster relief and response program to make sure they quickly get the resources needed to bounce back from the devastation.
Knowing their families are being cared for allows Coast Guard members to focus on serving their neighbors and rebuilding their communities.
As well as being reactive to disasters, we are proactive with our support.
Last year, over the course of three weeks in July and August, we sponsored a series of six Family Readiness workshops for all Coast Guard members and families stationed in the south Florida area. In total, 850 active duty Coast Guard members and 250 dependents attended the workshops. Plans for workshops in Florida are underway now for this year.
“It is essential for the safety of you and your family to prepare for a hurricane before it arrives,” said Capt. Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.
“We highly recommend ensuring you have a hurricane survival kit with items like batteries, flashlights, radios, and water. It’s also paramount you pay close attention to the weather both ashore and out at sea and heed the messages, warnings, and orders of local authorities.”
Cover Photo: The Coast Guard responds to search and rescue requests in response to Hurricane Harvey in the Beaumont, Texas, area, Aug. 30, 2017. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Giles
