Preparing for Disaster
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
As the news of hurricanes trickles in, I can’t help but play back what happened 20 years ago. My husband and I were fresh in Charlotte County for only two weeks, just settled in our home still with boxes unopened. As Hurricane Charley swiftly targeted Charlotte Harbor, we ended up volunteering at the Cultural Center and that experience is solidly embedded in my brain. The names of others are there as well – Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Irma, Ian. With all of them, there are things that I wish I knew, and I am sure you are the same.
As our community has changed, some were here then and many are new to our community, even since Irma and Ian. No matter who you are, hurricane season should be taken seriously. Our staff met this week to review our disaster plan, getting all the final items clarified and completed. Beryl and the recent uptick in hurricane predictions this week make this critical. I am urging you to do the same.
Life frequently presents unexpected challenges that catch us off guard, no matter how prepared we try to be. It is hard to explain the surreal feelings that come with the days before, during and after. One thing I know is the more prepared we are, the better our taking action will be. I could see in our staff the relief after reviewing our plan. It really does help.
Charlotte County Emergency Management Director, Patrick Fuller, concurs stating “Disaster preparedness should be a year-round effort for us all, but is especially critical during Hurricane season. Now is the time to understand your risk, make a plan, build a kit, and find ways to stay informed.”
When a hurricane impacts Charlotte County, UWCC connects those in need with those who can help, ensuring our neighbors receive the support they need to recover. We strive to effectively support those we serve by communicating, coordinating, and sharing information from the experts. UWCC promises to alert you as best we can to the information provided by the direct information sources.
Mobilizing donations and volunteers is an important focus for us in the aftermath of disaster. To do this successfully, it's crucial for us to stay connected with the organizations and associations directly involved in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Carrie Walsh, Human Services Director states, “Nonprofits, churches, and civic groups are vital to both hurricane preparation, recovery and resilience. Local, State, and Federal government play very specific roles in the face of a disaster-but community organizations must be at the table. The Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) partnership is a critical link for our community-it’s a way for all of us to communicate and work together. At the end of the day, Charlotte County’s resilience belongs to all of us.”
Preparing doesn’t hurt and will only help you remain calm and help with making clear decisions. Thus, let’s all focus and prepare as a family, as a business, as an organization, and as a community.
An important and very notable factor in all of this, especially if you were not here for the previous storms, is that those who were here will experience some level of trauma response. We all need to show grace, love and patience to each other. What may seem to be a mean or rude person may actually be someone who is really scared. Let’s be in a supportive mindset rather than a reactive one. Asking the person how they are doing and if they need help can go a long way.
To find resources or to learn more about how UWCC is preparing and its ongoing recovery efforts within Charlotte County, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/resources.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.