How To Help People and Communities Affected by Hurricanes

Hurricane Ian left a devastating impact in Florida with massive reported damage and casualty.

Search and operations have continued, while support from groups has been outpouring disaster assistance for the affected communities and areas.

In times of disasters seeing the aftermath of storms and Hurricanes, communities contribute to help the needed and affected, especially people who have no access to immediate support.

Hurricane Ian's immense impact caused property damage with a potential loss of billions, while state authorities have been repairing around the clock to restore power.

Linemen and workers were deployed to clear the remnants of Hurricane Ian, downed trees, and power lines.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, on Twitter, posted that keeping hospitals and health care facilities running is their top priority since Hurricane Ian slammed the city.

Governor De Santis added that they opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Fort Myers, serving as a one-stop-shop to help people in Florida.

He also shared that they launched a Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, with $50 million available for short-term and zero-interest loans for affected small businesses.

Moreover, it noted that the Pine Island Bridge was completed, helping residents in the area.

Community efforts help people to start again after the catastrophic Hurricane hit their state.

According to the AccuWeather report, the American Red Cross provided shelter and meals for the people impacted by Hurricane Ian, deploying over 1,400 trained disaster workers to help with relief efforts and assistance in Florida.

Community efforts

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

In the report, AccuWeather explained that the Red Cross installed over 39 shelter workers in the state.

The article also reminded us that people who want to stay at the Red Cross shelter should bring their prescription medicines, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other important documents they can have, requiring people to wear face masks

In disasters, shelters offer immediate homes, especially when your houses were turned down or washed away by the Hurricane.

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On the other hand, part of the initiative is to help people with disabilities affected by the Hurricane.

Co-executive director Germán Parodi explained to AccuWeather that they feared that majority who were injured would be older adults or people with disabilities.

Parodi is part and co-executive director of The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies with Shaylin Sluzalis.

Moreover, the report said that World Central Kitchen helped the initiative by providing fresh meals to affected communities impacted by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Fiona.

On the other hand, another disaster relief Mercy Chefs serves free meals and water to people in Fort Myers, Florida.

You can visit the website page of AccuWeather to read the list supporting the community relief initiatives for Hurricane Ian's impact.

Cleanup drive tips

Officials reminded residents to be more careful in cleaning up the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

Here are also other reminders for your safety.

Be extra careful with down trees or powerlines undergoing repairs and clearing.
Report immediately any potential leaks.
If you still have no electricity, be mindful of operating the generator. Please keep it away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Refrain from going to roads where clearing was ongoing.