I Stand with Florida: How Floridians Can Prepare for Hurricane Milton And Support Each Other
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I Stand with Florida: How Floridians Can Prepare for Hurricane Milton and Support Each Other
I am sure the President and Governor Ron DeSantis are already preparing residents of my neighboring state of Florida for the rains associate with the new storm Milton. We at Iconic send our prayers as we know Helene has already been a lot for the citizens of the state. We will be fundraising to help when and where we can to support as much as we can.
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As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, it’s crucial for residents to come together, prepare effectively, and support one another through this challenging time. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for the storm, ways to help your community, and the key figures on standby for recovery efforts.
Preparing for Hurricane Milton
1. Create an Emergency Plan:
Communication: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet if separated.
Evacuation Routes: Identify and practice your evacuation routes. Know the location of your nearest shelter.
Pet Safety: Make arrangements for your pets, including identifying pet-friendly shelters.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit:
Essentials: Stock up on non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), medications, and first aid supplies.
Tools and Supplies: Include flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
Personal Items: Gather important documents (IDs, insurance papers), cash, and personal hygiene items.
3. Secure Your Home:
Outdoor Items: Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and anything that could become a projectile in high winds.
Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. Reinforce doors and garage doors.
Utilities: Know how to turn off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water.
4. Stay Informed:
Weather Updates: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on Hurricane Milton’s path and intensity.
Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and the National Weather Service.
How Floridians Can Help Each Other
1. Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteer Florida: Connect with disaster-related volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Florida1.
All Hands and Hearts: Join their Hurricane Helene Relief program, which is now extending efforts to include Hurricane Milton2.
Local Shelters and Food Banks: Offer your time to local shelters and food banks that will be providing essential services during and after the storm.
2. Donations:
Financial Contributions: Donate to organizations like the Florida Disaster Fund, which supports recovery efforts across the state.
Supplies: Contribute non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, and hygiene products to local relief organizations.
3. Community Support:
Check on Neighbors: Especially the elderly, disabled, and those living alone. Ensure they have the necessary supplies and a plan in place.
Share Resources: If you have extra supplies or a generator, consider sharing with those in need.
Government and State Representatives on Standby
1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
FEMA is actively monitoring Hurricane Milton and coordinating with state and local agencies to provide support and resources3.
2. State Representatives:
Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL): Actively involved in securing additional FEMA funding and supporting recovery efforts4.
Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL): Working on legislation to ensure adequate disaster relief funding4.
Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery: Led by Rep. Adam Botana ® and Rep. Kevin Chambliss (D), this committee focuses on hurricane recovery and resilience efforts5.
Ways for Those in Need to Prepare
1. Identify Local Shelters:
Know the location of the nearest shelters and have a plan for getting there if evacuation becomes necessary.
2. Medical Needs:
Ensure you have an adequate supply of medications and medical supplies. If you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, make arrangements for backup power.
3. Financial Preparedness:
Withdraw some cash in case ATMs and banks are unavailable. Keep important financial documents in a waterproof container.
4. Stay Connected:
Charge your mobile devices and have backup batteries or power banks. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
By taking these steps, Floridians can better prepare for Hurricane Milton and support each other through the storm. Together, we can weather this challenge and emerge stronger as a community.
3: Local10 4: Floridian Press 5: Florida Politics 1: Volunteer Florida 2: All Hands and Hearts
Iconic Cares: Iconic Partners with The Felecia Killings Foundation for a Heartwarming Holiday Prolife Campaign in ATL
The Iconic/CCM Hurricane Response & Scholarship Awards:
Holiday Prolife Campaign
The Holiday Prolife Campaign, spearheaded by The Felecia Killings Foundation by
Coach Felecia Killings is a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting families during the holiday season. This campaign focuses on providing resources, education, and support to families, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive. By partnering with this campaign, Iconic is excited to extend our reach and impact even more families.
This year, we are highlighting "First Care Women's Clinic," which has been in the area since 1985. They are a Christian Evangelical non-profit organization.
Suddenly, communities in Atlanta were hit by Helene’s devastating winds and rain causing flooding, power outages and more across this area of GA. Then an explosion happened at the Biolabs in Conyers. A lot has happened over the weekend. Currently, Georgia’s ban on abortion after 6 weeks have been lifted meaning up to 22-weeks now is the cut-off for abortion services. This is why our work at Iconic with the CCM is so important.
Since we were working to help moms already, we decided to add especial emphasis on finishing this campaign because moms in this area now need the additional support. We also want to help give away FREE scholarships to moms in the area to train as leaders in their respective careers.
We at Iconic are stepping up to contribute books and to push the campaign to our audience because we believe in activating to help families especially during national disaster recovery.
How You Can Get Involved
We invite you to join us in this meaningful campaign. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Donate: Click the link below to give directly
Subscribe: Upgrade to Iconic+ in order to support Iconic and this new mission.
Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your network to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
Out of State Support will Be Needed
Out-of-state individuals can play a crucial role in supporting hurricane recovery efforts. Here are some effective ways to help:
1. Donate Financially
Cash Donations: Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective way to help. Cash donations allow these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs1.
Trusted Organizations: Consider donating to organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and local relief funds such as the Florida Disaster Fund.
2. Volunteer Your Time
Remote Volunteering: Many organizations need help with administrative tasks, fundraising, and other remote activities. Check with groups like Volunteer Florida and the American Red Cross to see how you can assist from afar2.
On-Site Volunteering: If you are able to travel, register with a disaster relief organization before heading to the affected area. Organizations like All Hands and Hearts coordinate volunteer efforts and ensure that volunteers are deployed where they are most needed3.
3. Donate Supplies
Essential Items: Donate non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene products, and baby supplies to organizations collecting these items. Ensure that donations are coordinated through recognized groups to avoid overwhelming local resources.
Medical Supplies: Contribute medical supplies such as first aid kits, medications, and personal protective equipment to hospitals and clinics in the affected areas.
4. Support Long-Term Recovery
Rebuilding Efforts: Long-term recovery often requires rebuilding homes, schools, and infrastructure. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity accept donations and volunteers for rebuilding projects1.
Mental Health Support: Consider supporting organizations that provide mental health services to disaster survivors, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
5. Spread Awareness
Social Media: Use your social media platforms to share information about the hurricane, ways to help, and updates from trusted sources. This can increase awareness and encourage others to contribute.
Fundraising Campaigns: Organize or participate in fundraising campaigns to support relief efforts. Platforms like GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers can be effective tools for raising money.
Key Organizations to Support
American Red Cross: Provides emergency shelter, food, and medical care.
Salvation Army: Offers disaster relief services including food distribution and emotional support.
Feeding America: Supports local food banks in disaster-affected areas.
Team Rubicon: Mobilizes veterans to provide disaster response services.
By taking these actions, out-of-state individuals can make a significant impact on the recovery efforts for Hurricane Milton. Your support can help ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives and communities.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Iconic is here to serve you.
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