ORLANDO, Fla. — As hurricane season gets underway, Seniors First is helping some of Central Florida’s most vulnerable residents prepare before the next storm.
The nonprofit is delivering 60 portable power stations to Meals on Wheels clients across Central Florida. The devices can help power cellphones, lights, fans and some medical equipment during an outage.
For Martin Williamson, the delivery brings some peace of mind. Williamson said he has been through hurricanes before and knows how quickly the power can go out.
Now, he lives alone and said preparing for storms can be difficult. “It’s kind of rough, especially when you’re by yourself,” Williamson said.
Katherine Brown, the Communications and Special Events Director for Seniors First, said losing power can be more than just an inconvenience for older adults.
“With hurricane season, we all know losing power is inconvenient, right? But for a lot of senior citizens, it could conceivably be dangerous,” Brown said.
Brown said the power stations can help seniors keep the house lit, run a fan, keep certain medicine cool, and power some medical equipment, including oxygen machines. She said keeping cellphones charged is also important so seniors can reach family members or emergency services if needed.
“Most importantly, though, cellphones. Keep the cellphone charged; that way family and friends can check in. If they need help, they can reach out to get emergency help,” Brown said.
Seniors First said the program focuses on clients with the greatest need, including those who may not have support nearby during an emergency.
For Williamson, the power station is something that makes him feel safer heading into hurricane season.
“I have something that turns some lights on. I feel a little safer,” Williamson said.
This is the third year Seniors First has delivered power stations to clients. The organization said it hopes to expand the program in the future as funding allows.