OSCEOLA COUNTY --
Some seniors in Osceola County — such as 100-year-old James Sealy — are grateful for a hand in preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Matthew.
There’s no telling how the category 3 storm will impact the county, but many seniors rely on the nonprofit Osceola Council on Aging.
“We’re hoping that actually it won’t be bad,” Sealy said Wednesday. “I am about to lose the use of both legs, so this has really been a lifesaver.”
Just a couple of months ago, the group built Sealy and his wife, Olga, a ramp at their home. Now, they have a safe way to exit their home in case of an emergency.
That’s not all the organization does. Their facility turns into a special-needs shelter that feeds and provides a place to sleep. At the Council’s kitchen, crews can put out about 1,000 meals daily. But during an emergency, they can feed up to 6,000 people.
Backup generators allow the shelter to provide electricity to people who have a nebulizer or are oxygen-dependent.
“We have all kinds of activities to keep them entertained, because we don’t want them worrying about the storm and what is happening to their house while they’re here," Council On Aging CEO Beverly Hougland said.
The Council’s board met to ensure all seniors are being checked on and to find out whether they need water, food or their medications refilled.
What may seem like a small action to some but can be life-saving to others.
“It is wonderful. It is a miracle to some people like us,” Sealy said.
If you would like to volunteer your time or make any donations, go to the Osceola Council on Aging's website.