Now, as hurricane season approaches, you can turn to your local Girl Scout for advice, proper protocol, and of course, a friendly hand. This is all thanks to Hurricane Heroes, a program developed and executed by two incredible Girl Scout volunteers—Erika Rolando and Nicole Knapp.
On Saturday, June 1, which just so happens to be the first day of hurricane season, over 150 Girl Scouts convened at Camp Honi Hanta to participate in activities like sandbagging, mock window boarding, creating an emergency kit for their families, learning basic pet first aid, and witnessing a virtual hurricane.
Guest speakers from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Manatee County Emergency Management, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services, and Manatee County Public Works led the discussion about evacuating versus staying during a storm threat.
With their new skills and knowledge, these girls can help prepare for storm season, while being an educated part of the conversation when their family discusses their options.
Erika Rolando said it best, “During a natural disaster, you’re trying to help your neighbors and you’re trying to help other people, so the more hands the better. It’s a community effort—the more you know, the more you grow and the more people you can help.”
See the full album of pictures here.
Read the news article from Herald-Tribune here.
We would like to show our appreciation to the following:
- Manatee County Emergency Management
- Manatee County Emergency Medical Services
- Manatee County Public Works
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
- Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders
- Mission BBQ
- Bayshore Animal Hospital
- Manatee Memorial Hospital
- Lowe’s
- Publix
- Women of the Moose
- Manatee Apparel
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. 