OKEECHOBEE – Our Village Okeechobee’s first Hurricane Preparedness Expo, held May 16, at Milking R Dairy, attracted a good crowd. Local organizations and businesses set up booths on the grounds near the playground, providing a variety of information about hurricane preparedness and local services.

Leah Suarez, of Our Village, said it was a busy day. While the event was advertised to start at 9 a.m., “people started showing up at 8:15 a.m.”

American Red Cross Executive Director Tina Sweeten taught a hurricane preparedness program for the children.  The program reviewed the basics of what a hurricane is, and what the different terms mean. “It helps kids understand what might be happening during a hurricane,” she explained. The program emphasizes safety and provides tips, such as breathing exercises, to help with stress during an emergency.

Sweeten said Red Cross has other programs for children, such as water safety and fire safety. The programs are offered at libraries, schools, and “anywhere we can get a group of kids to sit down,” she explained.

Children who attended the expo were treated to free ice cream, courtesy of the Okeechobee Children’s Services Council. The kids enjoyed playing on the dairy’s farm-themed playground and feeding the goats.

Sweeten said they are looking for volunteers, such as retired teachers, who might be interested in helping with the children’s programs. Red Cross also needs volunteers to help with other programs. “We need volunteers in all walks of life,” said Sweeten. For more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, go online to redcross.org or call 1-800- REDCROSS.

Booths at the expo included the Florida Health Department, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Catholic Charities, New Horizons, Habitat for Humanity, SHINE and McCoin Tree Service.

The Division of Emergency Management booth handed out copies of Okeechobee County’s new Hurricane guide.

Florida Rural Legal Services offered advice on post-storm insurance claims and landlord issues.

Christ Fellowship Mission brought a trailer with fresh produce and invited those at the event to fill up bags with fresh produce to take home and to share with friends and neighbors. The church partners with Treasure Coast Food Bank. After a storm, they take the trailer to areas with storm damage to hand out food. They also host two food distribution events in Okeechobee each month.