Hurricane season has started in South Florida, and Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS), one of Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s largest partner agencies, is helping vulnerable seniors prepare for hurricane season.

On June 26, 56 volunteers distributed nearly 350 hurricane preparedness bags to older adults in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Contents included food and supplies, such as peanut butter, apple sauce, crackers, a cooler bag, can opener, flashlight, rain poncho, first aid kits, and a Hurricane Guide booklet.

Need help? Want to help? Sign up!

Additionally, the JFS Storm Alert Team is currently accepting registrations from seniors not currently clients of JFS who might need assistance before, during and/or after a hurricane. JFS is also signing up volunteers for the Storm Response Team, who would check in on them to ensure their safety and well-being, either by phone, in-person wellness visit or delivery of needed supplies. Both groups may register throughout hurricane season, which ends on November 30.

There is no charge to register for the Storm Alert Team service, available to seniors 65 years and over, and information is used solely for hurricane response purposes. Storm Response Team volunteers, which include board members, staff, and community members, are pre-screened by the agency, participate in Zoom training and sign confidentiality agreements to protect the personal information of community members.

Registering to help or receive help is simple

“JFS takes our responsibility to help seniors, particularly those with no family nearby, very seriously,” said Rales JFS President and Chief Executive Officer Danielle Hartman. “Although JFS is not a first responder agency, we coordinate with first responder agencies and volunteers to play a vital role before and after major weather events.”

Seniors living in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach are invited to register for the JFS Storm Alert Team at ralesjfs.org/stormreg or by calling 561-852-5044. Family members can register a loved one, as well.

Storm Response Team volunteers can register at ralesjfs.org/stormvol. Applicants should be at least 18 years old, be family-friendly, and comfortable working outdoors. Volunteers, whose work will require entering the homes of seniors, will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Thanks to your support, we can make sure our seniors are cared for during hurricane season.