In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s devastating effects on Flagler County, the community is coming together to support one another. Many Floridians have formed volunteer groups and are going door-to-door to assist neighbors in need. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are helping residents register for FEMA aid.
Organizations like the American Red Cross provided hot meals to residents in need. Both City and County officials have aided the community in picking up debris.
As Flagler County, including Flagler Beach and Palm Coast, heals, community members are remaining strong and engaged. More than anything, this has given me hope and inspiration I can hardly describe.
Take Necessary Steps to Heal and Find Hope
If your home or personal property has suffered severe damage as a result of Irma, please consider signing up for FEMA assistance. It is also important to know that FEMA representatives will not call you, so if you receive an unsolicited call asking for personal information, ignore it.
This Saturday, September 23rd, Flagler County is opening an Assistance Center to help residents. Multiple aid organizations will be present, and meals, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and mosquito spray will be distributed.
Do Not Remain in Flooded Homes
It is very important to vacate flooded homes as mold begins to grow. Mold is potentially toxic and may cause negative health effects.
Many volunteer groups have reported that some residents are choosing to stay in their flooded homes, which is hazardous to their health and wellbeing.
Be Wary of Mosquitos
Due to flooded lands, the mosquito population of Flagler County has become extreme. Mosquitos can potentially carrie life-threatening diseases, so it’s important to take precautionary steps like using bug spray, wearing longer clothing, and using mosquito netting for children younger than 2 months.
County officials are also advising residents to do the following:
Drain
- Water from garbage cans gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots, or any other containers with water in them.
- Discard any old appliances, tools, or debris that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and animal water bowls at least twice a week.
- Maintain swimming pools
At this time, there have been no reports of mosquito born illnesses appearing in Flagler County residents.
Lend a Helping Hand
In this dire time following Hurricane Irma, neighbors need to help neighbors. If you have the time and means, consider going door-to-door with a volunteer group to check on elderly or incapacitated neighbors.
If you are interested in helping the community of Flagler County clean up and heal, please call Flagler County Volunteer Services at 386-597-2950 to be put on a volunteer list. Volunteers can also show up at the former Food Lion plaza on State Road 100 at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, the 23rd.
If You Have Questions, Please Reach Out to Me
Though the effects of Hurricane Irma on the community have been heartbreaking, the morale and perseverance of volunteers and residents has given me hope. I am proud to be a part of such a close-knit community, where neighbors care about one another.
If you have any questions about Hurricane Irma relief resources, or are looking for a charity to donate to, please don’t hesitate to contact me. On behalf of the entire Park Side Realty Group, we are keeping all Flagler County residents in our thoughts and sending them love and support.