BRANDON, Fla. — Dozens of seniors gathered in Hillsborough County on Monday to learn more about what they need to do ahead of hurricane season to protect themselves and be prepared.
It was one of several informational sessions that Hillsborough County has planned this month to help keep people safe ahead of what Is expected to be a busier-than-average storm season.
“Survival, survival,” senior Barbara Young said, who attended the information session at the Brandon Senior Center.
Young says she couldn't be more appreciative. As a relatively new Florida resident, she said could use all the information and help she can get when it comes to storm preparations.
“Yes, I'm very grateful that they came and talked to me,” she said.
Young was one of about three dozen seniors taking advantage of the event, where they were presented with all sorts of information about creating a hurricane plan that included stocking up on medication, and even food preparation for what could be days without power.
“Well, make sure you have enough water, canned goods, and stuff like that,” senior George Laskowski said, who has been through Tampa Bay's most recent storms.
He was also there to learn more and said folks should listen closely to the advice.
“You know, people need to be aware and not just say 'Oh well, it's not going to happen to me.' Because nine times out of 10 it will happen,” Laskowski said.
Hillsborough County will be holding sessions like this all month long discussing:
- Sandbags, generators and advice for mobile homeowners
- Landscaping and what to do now to avoid strenuous cleanup later
- Safeguarding your business and livestock
Organizers of this session say they hope it will give elderly folks who may often feel frightened and isolated during a storm confidence - knowing they are better prepared.
“After you have made a plan and you practiced that plan, that becomes habitual,” Hillsborough Office of Emergency Management official Travenski Lawson said. “It's second nature that you continue to go through those motions.”
“It would be lifesaving for me, yes,” Young said. “Lifesaving.”