Habitat for Humanity prepares response to Hurricane Florence
ATLANTA (Sept. 12, 2018) — Habitat for Humanity is preparing its response to Hurricane Florence as the storm makes its way to the East Coast of the United States. Habitat is engaged with its local organizations throughout the storm’s anticipated path, and is encouraging residents to prepare for the storm.
Donations to support Habitat’s response to Hurricane Florence can be made at habitat.org/hurricaneflorence.
Habitat’s capacity to respond will depend on available resources. Its recovery plan will be tailored to the needs on the ground following the storm.
Habitat for Humanity has been helping communities in the United States and around the world recover from disasters for more than 20 years. Habitat’s role is primarily in the long-term recovery of disaster-stricken communities, following the immediate response. Long-term recovery needs tend to be the most underfunded aspect of disaster response and recovery. Storms like Florence tend to most adversely impact the lower-income populations that Habitat serves.
As Florence approaches, Habitat is encouraging residents to heed the directions of local officials. Resources to prepare family and property in advance of the storm are available at www.habitat.ngo/prepared. In advance of the storm, Habitat encourages the following steps:
- Review your family preparedness plan.
- Establish a family communications plan.
- Assemble a hurricane kit or review your hurricane supply list.
- Have a family evacuation plan in place.
- Secure your property:
- Cover windows. If storm shutters are unavailable, use 5/8-inch exterior-grade or marine plywood cut to fit each window. Use screws to attach them.
- Trim trees and shrubs around your home so that they are more wind-resistant.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce garage doors so wind doesn’t enter and cause structural damage.
- Bring in outdoor objects such as furniture, toys, tools, etc., anchor objects that cannot be brought inside and remove outside antennas.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.