No major hurricanes: Lucky streak hits 5 years for South Florida

November 30 marks the official end of hurricane season and while 19 tropical storms or hurricanes formed this year, we were lucky that no major storm made it to the coast of the United States.

It’s a lucky break that for South Florida has lasted 5 years, something that’s happened only three other times in our history. Unfortunately, that streak is always broken in the sixth year.

A disaster – either man-made or natural – can strike at any time, so we don’t want South Florida residents to let their guard down. We must, all of us, make it our goal to be self-sufficient for the first 72-hours following any disaster.

At the South Florida Red Cross, disasters keep us busy. We respond to 500 disasters a year – that’s almost two a day. So while the "BIG" one didn't hit us, the big one does happen every day to a family that loses their home because of a disaster, such as a house fire.

And often, the wake of a disaster, we are often asked “What can I do to help?”

The Red Cross Holiday Catalog is a great way for our community to purchase the gifts that truly will make a difference this holiday season for people in need. You can help purchase phone cards for service men and women serving overseas, infant care kits for youngsters who stay at Red Cross shelters and life-saving Measles vaccinations. No matter what Red Cross initiative you choose to support, you will be giving the gift of hope.

Have a happy and safe holiday season,

Luis Avila

Regional Officer, Emergency Services

American Red Cross South Florida Region

Wings Over Homestead Air show a treat for veterans, volunteers alike

As we waited at the BX Mart parking lot to be driven to the Homestead Air Reserve Base, the planes’ engine made such a racket that made us lose our breath for a second. We could not help but look up and turn our heads left and then right, one, two, and three times, boom! We knew the afternoon at the practice run for the Wings Over Homestead Air Show was going to be fun.

Lori Tompkins, who works at the South Dade Branch of the Red Cross, drove us into the base, and there they were -- planes small, big and huge -- in the air and all lined up on the tarmac waiting to be admired. While the younger spectators were amazed by the aerobatics [as we were too], an audience of national heroes was silently enjoying the event.

No clouds  -- just a clear blue sky -- made the perfect afternoon to commemorate the service of these injured veterans thanks to the efforts of base personnel along with the Red Cross, who hosted the veterans from the VA Hospital. More than an air show, it was a day that evoked the veteran’s past time when they were serving the country.

We don’t know how many battles they fought in or what experiences they’ve been through. But we could tell from their faces, the pride they felt from the very bottom of their hearts in serving their country. No one wanted to interrupt these heroes while they were peacefully enjoying the air show featuring local F-16 pilots and the Navy's Blue Angels.

With the last Blue Angles landing on the runway, our heartbeats finally slowed down to normal and our thoughts were drawn back to reality.  Veterans were gathered in front of a nearby booth to learn more about services and programs that were offered to them by other organizations. The Veterans were also asked to sign a special painting to commemorate that day. 

As communications interns at the Red Cross, events like this one, indeed fulfill our spirit to keep serving the community and make our work more enjoyable and fun. It makes you feel so proud to be a Red Crosser and do what we can to better the world. 

Linda Li & Alexa Sandoval