An updated hurricane report from the experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates the rest of the 2023 hurricane season will be active. So, we all need to be prepared. Most veteran Floridians already know the drill – make an emergency plan, locate your evacuation route, find, and safely store important papers, and build an emergency kit.
If you plan to weather the storm in your home, gathering supplies is one of the most critical components of hurricane preparation. Consider all the people in your family and how much you will need for each of them for an extended amount of time.
Now think of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in group homes. Who takes care of them, where do they go, and who collects and purchases the supplies they need to survive a hurricane?
ARC of the Treasure Coast is one organization that makes sure these folks are safe and have what they need. But we cannot do it alone. We need the community’s help.
The organization operates sixteen community homes in Martin and St. Lucie Counties, where residents are provided an alternative to institutional living. When a hurricane is headed for Florida, residents of these group homes are evacuated to two special shelters also managed by ARC of the Treasure Coast.
These shelters have certain requirements, including providing a week’s worth of supplies per person per shelter. As you can imagine, that’s a long list with a hefty price tag.
Packaged foods, water, and batteries are on every hurricane list. The ARC is no exception. So, when you’re buying your own hurricane supplies this year, consider helping these folks who can’t help themselves. Gift cards to Publix, Home Depot, and Lowe’s are also extremely helpful.
Hurricane preparedness is a necessity in Florida, and in the case of these group homes, the expense is enormous.
Keith Muniz is the president and CEO of the ARC of the Treasure Coast, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting and supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, vocational, behavioral, and other related healthcare services.
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