FLORIDIANS REMINDED TO DONATE WISELY TO SANDY SURVIVORS
~Individuals and private sector should contact established relief organizations~
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 1, 2012
CONTACT: FDEM External Affairs, (850) 921-0217, dem-externalaffairs@em.myflorida.com
TALLAHASSEE — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in the northeast United States, Florida’s emergency officials urge Floridians to donate responsibly. Florida’s citizens and businesses witnessing Sandy’s devastation and wishing to help those impacted should follow these guidelines to ensure your donations do the most good for the most people.
“As the most hurricane prone state in the nation, we know that disasters can be devastating,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “Through donations and assistance from across Florida, we can help the northeast states recover and rebuild after Hurricane Sandy.”
Individuals interested in assisting individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy should visitwww.VolunteerFlorida.org. The best way to help is to donate cash through a reputable relief organization. Donating cash through established relief organizations allows for versatility to meet needs as they arise. If you have goods to donate, be sure to confirm the need through a relief organization before donating.
The private sector can also provide much needed aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Businesses are encouraged to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Industry Liaison Program. The Industry Liaison program can be reached at FEMA-Industry@dhs.gov or 202-646-1895.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 – November 30. Visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to Get A Plan! For the latest information on the 2012 Hurricane Season, follow FDEM on Twitter at @FLSERT, on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Google+ at FLSERT.
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The Governor’s Commission on Community Service, Volunteer Florida, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; coordinates volunteers in a disaster; and inspires everyone from youths to seniors to people with disabilities to serve their communities. For more information, visit:www.volunteerflorida.org.
AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service each year and administers President Obama’s national service initiative United We Serve. Interested individuals can learn about available opportunities and apply online by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.