September is National Preparedness Month, and FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is reminding island residents and workers to remain prepared, connect with neighbors and take simple steps that can make a difference when skies turn grey.<\/p>\n
As a United Way Resiliency Hub, it works throughout the year to help Sanibel and Captiva prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Its work includes preparedness education, distribution of hurricane supplies and resources, coordination with community partners, and assistance for neighbors who may need additional support before and after a storm.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have learned through every storm that preparation starts well before there is something in the forecast. It means knowing what your household needs, having a plan and knowing where to turn if you need help,\u201d Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. \u201cFISH also has a responsibility to be prepared so we can respond quickly and work with our partners when our community needs us.\u201d<\/p>\n
For September, FISH will recognize National Preparedness Month through its \u201cPrepared Together\u201d campaign. Each week will focus on an action to improve readiness while looking out for others.<\/p>\n
The month will begin with \u201cEvery Go Bag Tells a Story,\u201d which encourages community members to build or refresh emergency Go Bags and post a picture or comment about a favorite or unexpected item on the FISH social media post. The most creative or unexpected item, chosen by the FISH team, will win a Preparedness Prize featuring an emergency essential. Official prize rules are available on FISH\u2019s Neighbors in Readiness webpage at https:\/\/fishofsancap.org\/neighbors-in-readiness\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n It will also encourage residents to check in with neighbors, family members and older adults to make sure that they have what they need for the remainder of hurricane season.<\/p>\n Later in September, FISH will host a community supply drive for flashlights and AA and AAA batteries. The donated items will help it keep preparedness resources on hand for neighbors who may need assistance during power outages or other emergencies.<\/p>\n Residents are encouraged to follow FISH on social media for weekly preparedness challenges, tips, reminders and opportunities to participate in the campaign.<\/p>\n \u201cPreparedness can feel like a long list, but it really comes down to doing a few important things before you need them. Update your supplies; know your evacuation plan; check on the neighbors around you; and know who you can call and who may be counting on you,\u201d Community Outreach and Resiliency Director Simon Robson said. \u201cThose actions are just as important as what you put in a hurricane kit.\u201d<\/p>\n National Preparedness Month also builds on FISH\u2019s year-round Neighbors in Readiness program, a monthly preparedness series designed to help folks stay safe and informed. Each month, it shares easy-to-follow tips, reminders and resources on its website.<\/p>\n FISH\u2019s resiliency work builds on years of experience responding to hurricanes and other emergencies affecting Sanibel and Captiva. During blue skies, it focuses on education, planning, supplies and partnerships. When grey skies arrive, FISH shifts to meet community needs, working with local agencies and partner organizations to help coordinate food, supplies, information, financial assistance and recovery resources. It noted that that role can continue long after a storm passes, as recovery can take months or years for some households, particularly older adults, lower-income workers and families facing housing or financial challenges.<\/p>\n \u201cResiliency is part of FISH\u2019s work every day. The stronger the relationships are before an emergency, the better prepared the community is when something happens,\u201d Espinoza said. \u201cNational Preparedness Month gives everyone a reason to check their plans, connect with the people around them and make sure they are ready.\u201d<\/p>\n FISH added that it will share National Preparedness Month activities, Neighbors in Readiness resources and other preparedness information throughout September on its social media pages and website.<\/p>\n For more information, visit fishofsancap.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n