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By CityHurricane Preparedness Expo 2006
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Hurricane Preparedness Expo 2006Press Release
2006-04-20
Article Written by: Community Member
March 27, 2006
For Immediate Release
For more informationcontact: Rev. Tom Bingol
(Office) 386-445-3420
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS EXPO 2006
PALM COAST, FL - St. Mark By The Sea Lutheran Church, in partnership with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Flagler Volunteer Services (formerly Flagler Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), Flagler County Emergency Services, Flagler County Health Department, Lutheran Services Florida, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Lutheran Disaster Response will host their Second Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Saturday, April 29th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Expo blends demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, receiving applications for the Special Needs Shelter, and the opening and dedication of the new Flagler County Emergency Operations Center.
Pastor Tom Bingol is hopeful that the people in Flagler County and surrounding areas will participate in this year's Expo. "Many people soon forget the storms that we faced in 2004 because they were overshadowed by the devastation from last year's storms. Not only are we facing the certainty of an active hurricane season, but we are facing similar conditions to the wildfire seasons of 1985 and 1998. Preparedness should be on everyone's minds."
Sheriff Don Fleming adds, "The best thing that residents of Flagler County can do is educate themselves regarding the threat of these storms. People should know their evacuation routes, secondary routes, whether it is a storm, a wildfire, or any other disaster. People should know where they are going and have a plan of where to meet if a family becomes separated. Residents should know what documents should be ready in their "go" boxes. Most importantly, if a category three (or greater) hurricane is heading for us - evacuate. The greatest potential for loss of life is riding out a major storm that is heading directly for us."
Patrick Johnson, Director of the Flagler County Health Department, will provide a mock-up of the space provided in a special needs shelter and will receive applications for the local Special Needs Registry. Danielle Kearney of Lutheran Services Florida has coordinated presentations with the Department of Elder Affairs and will address Family Preparedness with workshops on Family Disaster Planning and the special needs of both children and seniors. Tom Ogden adds, "There are special considerations for seniors, especially those dealing with Alzheimer's disease and dementia."
The Flagler County Chapter of Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans has provided a $1,600 grant for this community effort. Darlene Kaiser, the Lutheran Community Services Specialist, shares, "This is a great Community Project. The community will really benefit by preparing for the upcoming storm season and we are delighted to be a partner in an effort of this magnitude."
Bob Sturgeon of the Flagler Area Ministerial Association (FAMA) affirmed this sentiment, "Storms are not going to discriminate and we should not discriminate in our preparation. This is an opportunity for churches to come together and prepare for the impending Hurricane Season as a community. This event will provide useful information for young families with children, for the elderly, for families with pets, for congregations or houses of worship; let's make Flagler County the best prepared county in Florida for the upcoming storms."
Pastor Bingol concludes, "In the aftermath of the devastating 2004 and 2005 Hurricane Seasons, it is important for the community to become proactive in preparing for the upcoming Hurricane Season. We need to prepare now if we are going to meet the challenges and needs of people within the community after a storm. If a major storm like Katrina were heading our way, would you be prepared? How would you protect your family, your pets, your home, your church? If you would like to gain some tools for preparing for this and other disasters, come and see what the Hurricane Expo is all about."
The Second Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo will be held at St. Mark By The Sea Lutheran Church at 303 Palm Coast Parkway, Northeast, in Palm Coast, on Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, contact St. Mark By The Sea Lutheran Church at 386/445-3420.
In Christ,
Rev. Tom Bingol, Pastor
St. Mark By The Sea Lutheran Church
"Invite, Nurture, Serve"
303 Palm Coast Parkway NE
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Best regards,
St. Mark By the Sea Lutheran Church
Kathy Plemmons
Office Manager
Phone: 386/445-3420
Fax: 386/445-5216
