F.I.S.H. hurricane seminar to provide more ‘hands-on’ information
At the request of the community, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will host its first-ever storm seminar.
The program, “Hurricane Preparedness – Are You Ready,” will take place on June 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. Free and open to the public, it will include guest speakers.
Program Director Kathy Y. Monroe explained that following Hurricane Irma, clients and residents expressed that they did not really know what they should have done in preparation for the storm and how they could have better prepared for it. She said the event was set up based off what was heard.
“There was a request from individuals for a more hands-on what-to-do during and after,” she said.
The speakers will consist of Lance Henninger, emergency management specialist for the Sanibel Emergency Management Department; Maggie Goldsmith, director of operations and grants at F.I.S.H.; and Debbie Quimby, special needs program specialist with Lee County Emergency Management.
Monroe explained that Henninger will speak on the hurricane re-entry pass program and sign up process for residents and businesses, as well as share preparation information for individuals.
“He’s going to be talking about personal preparation for a storm,” she said.
Goldsmith will discuss the hurricane resource packet that F.I.S.H. has put together.
“She’s going to talk about each form that is in there,” Monroe said. “She’s going to talk about the role of F.I.S.H. during the hurricane process – and talk about how we can assist vulnerable residents.”
Quimby will cover a range of topics for those in attendance.
“She will be talking about family emergency plans, evacuation routes, the special needs program, public shelters, what resources are available during a disaster and volunteering with Emergency Management,” she said.
Quimby will also have some emergency supply kits to hand out.
“We’re going to have a question-and-answer (session),” Monroe said.
Additionally, F.I.S.H. will share how to schedule home visits with the agency and more.
Part of its Hurricane Preparedness Program, the hurricane resource packets will be available for attendees to take home. A collaborative effort with city officials and emergency management teams, it has a wealth of information, like important numbers and websites from the local to federal level.
There is a client form for F.I.S.H., which is especially vital for individuals with specials needs. The packet also includes a hurricane re-entry pass application, list of hotels and motels located by Interstate 75, medical log for personal records, and Medicare and prescription information for a disaster area.
There is information about pet-friendly and service animal shelters – because when they initially open they are not all pet-friendly, she said – and more, plus some basic advice for hurricane preparation.
“It’s about 12 different points telling an individual what to do and what not to do,” Monroe said.
For example, the first piece of advice is do not wait until the last minute to prepare. Other recommendations are keeping a written copy of contact information for family and friends, having needed prescriptions filled and on hand, and making sure the gas tanks of vehicles are full.
“We just feel this is a more hands-on presentation,” she said of the seminar.
Whether it becomes an annual event will depend on the turnout.
“We want to see what the response is going to be,” Monroe said. “We want to make sure this is something that the community wants.”
Snacks will be provided.
For more information, contact 239-472-4775 or info@fishofsancap.org.
Those unable to attend can still pick up a hurricane resource packet at the F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Suite B, Sanibel. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way.