Page 14 - LIN.NOVEMBER17WEB

REFLECTING ON

HURRICANE IRMA

by Congressman Francis Rooney
I appreciate the opportunity to write a few words for Life In Naples Washington staff, executed on these initiatives, distributing food
Our local District 19 team, supported by some of our
magazine. We have had a challenging few weeks in Southwest
Florida and what I was planning to write changed drastically with
assets, such as the Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples, holding
the landfall of Hurricane Irma. Response to Irma can be divided into and water, coordinating with FPL to get power restored to critical
three categories; preparation, assessment of impact and recovery. “FEMA fairs” with a multitude of state and federal agencies
Taking the warnings about a category four or five hurricane to expedite assistance, and touring the hardest hit areas of our
community with President Trump, Vice President Pence and
Governor Scott, so they would understand the immediacy of our
needs and would work quickly to honor any requests for assistance.
Additionally, neighbors assisted friends and strangers alike with,
food, water, shelter, fuel for generators and assistance with moving
heavy debris. This spirit of giving, which makes Southwest Florida
such a great place to call home, was on full display.
We now begin the recovery phase, where we rebuild and replant.
We need to know every individual’s problems or ideas so we can
work on solutions.
I have seen extraordinary acts of generosity and kindness in our
community these past few weeks. Our fellow citizens have risen
to support their neighbors in an unprecedent manner. Despite our
hardships we can be comforted by the community in which we are
so fortunate to live.

seriously means the difference between life and death. As Irma CONTACT OUR OFFICES
moved towards Southwest Florida our office focused on providing
the most up-to-date information on evacuating, emergency
Lee County Office
preparedness, shelter locations and storm trajectory. We shared 1039 S.E. 9th Place • Suite 308
information from federal, state, county and local agencies and
Cape Coral, FL 33990
coordinated with the Trump Administration and Governor Scott
Phone: 239.599.6033
to ensure that disaster declarations were made quickly to expedite
the prepositioning of supplies. At all levels, the flow of information, Collier County Office
efficiency of evacuations and overall storm preparation went well. 3299 Tamiami Trail East • Suite 105
Emergency response began immediately after the winds and Naples, FL 34112
rains subsided, as volunteers joined first responders to begin the Phone: 239.252.6225
clean-up. The Emergency Operation Centers worked well in all
areas, from Cape Coral to Lee and Collier County and Marco Washington, DC Office
Island, to focus and organize responses. Our area law enforcement 120 Cannon House Office Building
personnel, first responders, EOC staff and volunteers performed Washington, DC 20515
outstanding work under these very trying circumstances. Their Phone: 202.225.2536
tireless efforts in the immediate aftermath of Irma no doubt saved
many lives.

14 Life in Naples | November 2017