Council on Aging Martin County Offers Hurricane Emergency Evacuation Kits
STUART, FL. Preparing supplies before a hurricane is essential, and most Martin County residents are well aware of the need to have water, nonperishable foods, medicines, and batteries ready in their homes in advance of a storm.
For evacuations, though, more is needed. Council on Aging Martin County is now offering Emergency Hurricane Jump Kits that provide the essential supplies that would be needed in case of an evacuation for a hurricane, storm, or other disaster situation.
Each kit includes:
- A waterproof sealed container to house the content of the Jump Kit
- AM/FM weather radio with crank battery charger and USB ports for phone charging
- 2 Blankets, 2 pillows, and bedsheets
- 72 hours’ worth of food (MRE – Meals Ready to Eat)
- Three hygiene toiletry kits
- LED flashlight
- Local street map for Martin or another County
- Internal seal container for valuables and important documents
“Too often as a hurricane approaches, people find themselves scrambling to gather necessities,” said Adam Levenson, Director of Operational Infrastructure for the Council on Aging Martin County, who created the kits. “These jump kits can be stored in a closet or safe space ahead of time, ready at a moment’s notice if needed.”
The value per kit is $500. The Council is currently raising funds to be able to provide kits to their clients who aren’t able to afford that price.
On August 28, the 2nd Annual Council on Aging Summer Send Off will take place at the Kane Center at 5 p.m. The event is a business after-hours social, open to the public, with a festive BBQ and a fast-paced game of Bingo. In addition to enjoying music, games, and food, guests will be invited to contribute toward an Emergency Jump Kit for a senior in need.
For more information about the Summer BBQ and Bingo, go to coamartin.org or call the Council on Aging Martin at 772-223-7800.
About the Council on Aging of Martin County
The Council on Aging Martin County is the community’s hub for senior resources and the county’s Lead Agency on Aging. Founded in 1974, the organization offers expertise, programming and support for older adults and their families to help seniors maintain lives of quality and purpose. Services include Day Primary Care Center, Memory Enhancement Center, Adult Day Club, Meals on Wheels, care management, caregiver support, and a robust offering of educational, cultural, fitness and wellness programs.
The Kane Center located at 900 SE Salerno Road in Stuart is the Council on Aging Martin County’s headquarters and is also an event venue available to the public. It serves as a special needs hurricane shelter when necessary. The Council on Aging Martin County also operates senior outreach facilities in Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, East Stuart and Indiantown. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Council on Aging receives funding from state and federal agencies and relies on philanthropic support from the community, including other agencies, private foundations and individual donors. For more information, visit www.coamartin.org.