People often have short memories; even recollections of the damages our area incurred with the 2004 double whammy of hurricanes Frances and Jeanne have faded over time. And while there were sighs of relief after Matthew only gave us a glancing blow, things could easily have been much worse.
With the June 1 to Nov. 30 hurricane season almost upon us, the American Red Cross Florida Coast to Heartland Chapter hosted a Hurricane Hangar Party last Friday at the Corporate Air Hangar, providing a refresher course for longtime residents and informing newcomers that yes, hurricanes are a real possibility and here is how to protect yourself.
“They’re predicting another busy year; the numbers in the Atlantic are very much the same as last year,” said Jim Hagan of Red Cross Preparedness Planning. The National Weather Service is predicting 10 to 16 named storms, four to eight hurricanes, and one to four major hurricanes. Last year’s actual numbers were 15, seven and three.
The event, co-chaired by Glynn Tremblay and Brenda Doblinger, was a special one for the local chapter, which celebrated a century of service to the community. Vintage Red Cross posters spanning the decades lined the walls and displays showcased a history of the organization, founded in 1881 by Clara Barton.
“The Red Cross has been in Vero Beach for 100 years,” said Sarah Ruwe, executive director of the chapter. “In 1917, they started rolling bandages with the Women’s Club and formed a Vero Beach branch.”
A Retro Red Cross Fashion Show featured students from the Indian River Charter High School modeling men’s and women’s uniforms from the early 1900s through to today.
“One of the young ladies is in my grandmother’s uniform,” said Ruwe with a smile.
The local chapter serves residents in four counties, helping to prepare for all sorts of disasters and is on hand to respond when tragedy strikes.
“We are here 24/7, 365 days of the year to help all the citizens with everything from a single-family fire to a hurricane,” said Ruwe. “Anyone can be a volunteer, and we need volunteers. Ninety-six percent of our workers are volunteers.”
Attendees wandered through various exhibits while enjoying music by Collins and Company, choosing from a large selection of silent-auction items, noshing on food-truck goodies and sipping on aptly named “Waldo’s Hurricane” beverages,
Members of the Vero Beach Amateur Radio Club displayed one of the Go-Kits they use to communicate with the Red Cross and the Emergency Operations Center. Carl Wade, retired USNR Chief Warrant Officer, and wife Judy Nash-Wade, volunteers with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, spoke about the critical support services provided to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Another booth exhibited the all-inclusive Red Cross Emergency App, which provides everything from weather and other emergency alerts to water safety and first aid guidance. As with all the services provided by the Red Cross, the app is free.
For more information, visit redcross.org.
