This really does my heart good. We donate something every year, and this time the workers and I are really pleased to install the shutters at this center,” said Mike Killeen of Storm Smart. “I call it a privilege to give back to the community.”

Storm Smart is covering all cost associated with this project which includes all material, manufacturing, and installation. “The hurricane protection worth nearly 14,000 dollars will help protect the 10,000 square foot building from storm damage. The center, located in North Fort Myers, has been open for 30 years, and has never had any protection against any tropical storms or hurricanes.

“I am thrilled to get these shutters and the other protections,” said Margaret Lincoln, director of the center. “We have just gotten about 100-thousand dollars worth of special computers to help the visually impaired. This will help to protect that special hardware from being damaged or destroyed.”

Sandy Martin, a client at the center, says she hopes the center can become a certified hurricane shelter for the visually impaired. Martin went through Hurricane Wilma in Collier County, and told us : “It is very frightening to be visually impaired, and to have to hunker down in an apartment, while the storm is whirling outside. I would feel better to be at the center, with people I know and trust, if there is a hurricane.”

Joan K., ~ Lighthouse Bay at The Brooks, Bonita Springs, FL

First celebrated 101 years ago, Father’s Day was, in a way, born of Mother’s Day. After a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909 in Spokane, Washington, a young lady wanted to honor her single father too. She encouraged local churches to institute the first Father’s Day observance the following year, and the idea caught on. It wasn’t till 1972, though, that Father’s Day was officially made a U.S. holiday, when President Richard Nixon helped set aside the third Sunday in June for dads.

As women’s roles outside the household are expanding, men’s roles in the household are expanding. Men are taking on more childcare, cleaning, and cooking duties at home, while holding on to responsibilities for automotive, household, and yard maintenance. As traditional roles around the house gradually change, fathers are gaining more attention on their special day. There’s no denying the fact that, a good father is a valuable asset. He is a protective figure and gives a sense of security to his children. A father’s love has an immeasurable effect on their children.

Although ‘traditional’ Father’s Dad gifts range from ties to golf trips, items that will free up their time and give them peace of mind are also welcome! The Smart Companies, a division of Storm Smart,  can also help with a special gift certificate for your Dad that he could use towards any of our hurricane preparedness products, solar items and even home technology! Simply call us at 239-278-9092 or Toll Free at 888-962-7283 to purchase a special gift card for Dad!

From our family to yours, we wish all of the Fathers a wonderfully enjoyable day!

Starting this month and each month during hurricane season (June to November), our Selection Committee will select a nominee to receive storm protection for their home or business and install the products at no cost to them!

Previous We Care “winners” have included the Animal Refuge Center, a first response emergency rescue employee, a homeowner who contracted with another company that closed down before her job was completed and many others in our community that needed assistance protecting their property from the devastating storms.

We encourage anyone interested in nominating a person, family or even a non-profit organization in the Southwest Florida area who may be in need of assistance protecting their home or office, to submit their entry here.

Nominations can be based upon need, merit or circumstance. Once your entry has been approved, we will post it on our web site giving your friends and family an opportunity to vote for your entry. (For more details and the rules rules that apply, please read here.)

You can help us make a difference in someone’s life, so please send your entries today!

Preparing for a hurricane – 72 hours prior:

• If you live or boat in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy weather, know your local and national weather sources and monitor them continuously.

• Remove small boats from the water and move them to a secure location. Ensure the trailer and boats are secured above likely flood areas. Remove all loose items. Ensure the boat is tied securely to the trailer. Contact local marinas and ask for advice. The marina operators are knowledgeable and can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat.

• If your boat is too large to be removed from the water, move it to a safe haven well before the storm approaches. You should know where safe havens are in the area where you boat. Use extra fenders, even used tires, to protect your boat. Double up mooring lines, secure all hatches, take down the mast if possible and remove all loose items from the vessel. Secure everything.

• Drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale force winds of 34 knots or greater and whenever an evacuation is ordered. Because of the uncertainty of weather movements and related bridge closures, mariners should seek early passage through drawbridges well in advance of the arrival of gale force winds.

Preparing for a hurricane – 24 hours prior:

Boaters and coastal residents can get storm and hurricane information from VHF marine radios, commercial radio and television stations and newspapers, or NOAA weather radios.

• The public should check with their local Coast Guard sector for an up-to-date status of local ports.

• Never forget that storms move quickly and are unpredictable. You can always replace a boat; you cannot replace a life.

Preparing for a hurricane – vessels in the storm:

• Do not go out to sea in a recreational boat to “ride out” a hurricane. All mariners are advised to stay off the water.
• If you are unable to evade a storm, ensure you wear a life jacket and know how to activate your distress signaling devices. Rescue and assistance by the Coast Guard and other agencies, however, may be severely degraded or unavailable immediately before, during and after a devastating storm. If you are in a vessel and you see signs of heavy weather, seek shelter. While en route to shelter, secure the boat and prepare passengers for possible rough water, heavy rains and high winds. Have all aboard put on life jackets. Do not let passengers below deck remove life jackets.
• If you think the boat may sink, it may be best not to have passengers below deck at all. Keep passengers above deck and attached to safety lines.
• By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
• If you get into trouble, call for help immediately. Ideally, you should have an EPIRB on board in addition to a marine radio. Keep in touch with the Coast Guard or anyone else you can reach so someone knows your location and assistance can be sent if needed.
• Carry life rafts on board large vessels. If the vessel sinks, board the life raft, stay with it and tether passengers together. Keep moving slowly to keep circulation and body temperature up and avoid overexertion.

* Source – US Coast Guard

If you have pets, you must include them in your disaster plan. In a hurricane, pets are subject to the same hazards as people and have many of the same needs. Keep in mind most pets cannot survive alone.

Taking your pets along is the most important thing individuals or families can do for their animals during a hurricane evacuation.   Pets left behind can be injured, lost or killed during a storm, or in its aftermath.   Pet owners should include their animals in their Family Hurricane Planning, before a storm threatens.

Because of public health concerns, very few evacuation shelters allow you to bring your pets, so the best plan is to identify a safe location to evacuate which allows pets such as a friend or family member’s home, your veterinarian clinic or a pet friendly hotel. You can also check sites such as the Pet Friendly Hotels & Motels Directory for safe places near you.

Things to remember:

• Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm – reassure them and remain calm. Watch your animals closely. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive during the storm. DO NOT leave a cat with a dog, even if the two are normally friends.

• If your pet is not micro-chipped, make sure ID tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet’s collar. Also be sure to have a current photo handy in case you need to identify your pet if they get lost.

• If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered.  Make sure to bring documentation and an updated photo if possible.

• Pack a pet survival kit, which should include pet food, water, medications, veterinarian records, cat litter, a manual can opener, food dishes, first aid kit, toys and cleanup supplies to keep your pets healthy, clean and free of parasites.
• Keep a sturdy cage or carrier to comfortably hold your pet, as well as a collar and leash.

Remember that boarding kennels and animal hospitals are subject to some degree of damage and flooding as well and may be without electricity or potable water for days to weeks following a storm, so be prepared to take extra supplies if using a facility to board your pets.

Take the time now to develop a plan and assemble your pet’s Disaster Kit to ensure your animal’s safety and care.

Memorial Day, which was originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. The “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Here are just a few ideas that will honor and recognize those who have served:

* by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

* by visiting memorials.

* by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.

* by flying the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

* by participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance”: at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

* by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

On behalf of the Smart Companies family, we would like to thank our veterans and current armed forces members for their dedicated service to our country.

We hope you will have a very safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

Karen Q – VP of Development, Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, FL

Again, on behalf of Barbara’s Friends and especially our kids, thank you. Your gift will ensure brighter tomorrows for many local children.

Gary Israel, Chairman ~ Barbara’s Friends

Storm Smart & Animal Refuge Center

STORM SMART INDUSTRIES DONATES HURRICANE PROTECTION TO ANIMAL REFUGE CENTER

Storm Smart’s “We Care” Program Donates Shutters To ARC

Ft. Myers, Fl- July 16, 2010- Storm Smart Industries, the largest and most innovative hurricane protection company in Southwest will be supplying and installing hurricane protection for the Animal Refuge Center, better known as ARC.  Storm Smart’s “We Care” program began in 2008 to help families and local businesses in need during hurricane season. Yes, even animals too!

The Animal Refuge Center of Fort Myers is a not for profit animal welfare society dedicated to stopping the escalating cost to impound, care for, kill and dispose of dogs and cats dying for no reason other than having been born. ARC is a non-euthanasia organization.  Not only does ARC protect and save many hundreds of animals, but ARC also has an indoor training program to help train and rehabilitate animals so, they are more attractive to a potential adopter.

“We are pleased to be able to help ARC and protect the facility that cares for so many animals that would otherwise not have a chance and include them in our “We Care” program, said Brian Rist, Storm Smart Industries, president.

Storm Smart Industries will be installing the shutters on the facility in the next few weeks to be sure that the facility is protected during hurricane season. Storm Smart will be visiting the facility on July 20^th, 2010 to measure and meet the team at ARC.

“As the largest no-kill shelter in the state, it is essential that our treatment center remain intact during a storm. This will allow us to not only care for our animals, but it would place us in a position to help the community at large,” said Betty Hughes, Board Treasurer, ARC,” Arc also serves as a triage center and it would be very sad to loose that ability.”