Watch: Volunteers Assemble 1,000 Storm Kits For Pinellas Seniors

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL -- To make sure that Pinellas County senior citizens are prepared for a hurricane, Pinellas County Emergency Management in partnership with Duke Energy, AARP Florida and Neighborly Care Network’s Meal on Wheels distributed 1,000 storm preparedness kits to home-bound seniors throughout Pinellas County last week.

Volunteers gathered at the Lealman Community Campus at 832 Paris Ave. S., St. Petersburg, to assemble the kits, which included a flashlight, first aid kit, poncho, hand sanitizer, whistle, wet wipes, batteries, portable fan, playing cards, foil blanket, glow stick and the Pinellas County All-Hazards Preparedness Guide.

The storm kits were delivered along with the regular hot meals provided by Meals on Wheels.

September is historically the most active month of the Atlantic hurricane season, which is why the Federal Emergency Management Agency has declared September National Hurricane Preparedness Month.

With nearly 25 percent of Pinellas County's population being age 65 and over, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pinellas County Emergency Management is urging the county's senior population in particular to have a personal emergency plan and storm preparedness kit with essential items for all family members (including pets) to survive at least one week without power, sewer service or clean drinking water.

Those who need help in the case of an evacuation should preregister for transportation assistance to a special needs shelter. To preregister, click here.

Designated special needs shelters are:

• Dunedin Middle School - 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
• Oak Grove Middle School - 1370 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater
• John Hopkins Middle School - 701 16th St. S., St. Petersburg

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County and School Board staff these shelters with nurses and other medical personnel. Oxygen is available, but air conditioning may not be available if power is interrupted.

Pinellas County offers detailed information on preparing the elderly and residents with special needs for a hurricane on its website.

Video via Pinellas County

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