Ready before the storm

In Florida, preparation is part of life. We watch the forecast, stock supplies and make plans for what we hope never happens. For local nonprofits, preparedness means something more: making sure they can continue serving their neighbors when a disaster disrupts daily life.

When most people think about disaster readiness, they picture hurricane shutters, bottled water, and emergency supply kits. Those are important steps, but our sense of safety can be threatened by more than weather. Fires, floods, extreme heat, power outages, public-health emergencies and other unexpected events can upend lives and put additional demands on the organizations

For nonprofits, readiness can mean planning for how essential services will continue when utilities, phone service, food supplies, transportation and more are interrupted. Food pantries may need to keep food moving to families when roads are difficult to navigate. Organizations serving children and families may need to maintain communication with the people who depend on their programs. Housing and social-service organizations may face new demands as families cope with damaged homes, lost income or displacement.

Annually recognized in September, National Preparedness extends all year for South Lake County. Every season, organizations update emergency plans, train staff and volunteers, coordinate with local partners, and ensure they’re prepared to continue serving families when they’re needed most.

The Natural Disaster Fund – Community Foundation Of South Lake provides an avenue for donors to support immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts. Grants from the fund help nonprofit partners respond quickly to urgent needs while adapting as recovery efforts unfold. Donations are always needed and appreciated.

Many of the Foundation’s other charitable funds work hand in hand during recovery, helping organizations focused on housing, food access, children and families, health, education, and neighborhood recovery.

Preparedness is really about making sure our community organizations have the capacity to respond and the resources to help their neighbors recover.