By Daylin Delgado & Diana Rodriguez
A record 8.3 million people lost power for days. Potentially dangerous debris littered the streets, traffic lights went out and many homes were destroyed.
Irma definitely battered the Caribbean, Florida and several southeastern states. But the storm’s aftermath also showcased some of the very best in humanity. Communities came together to help their friends and neighbors.
“It’s not the role of objective, independent media to be a partner to @MDCPS. During our community’s trying hour, they were,” said the Miami-Dade Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho, about news outlets that offered a helping hand during the cleanups and inspections of public schools throughout the county.
It's not the role of objective/independent media to be a partner to @MDCPS. During our community's trying hour, they were! Tx @elnuevoherald
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) September 15, 2017
It's not the role of objective, independent media to be a partner to @MDCPS. During our community's trying hour, they were! Tx @Univision23
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) September 15, 2017
It is not the role of objective, independent media to be a partner to @MDCPS. During our community's trying hour, they were! Thank you @WLRN
— Alberto M. Carvalho (@LAUSDSup) September 15, 2017
South Floridians joined the credited news outlets in helping their communities, and they continue to help everyone, from el viejito de la esquina (the little old man on the corner) to strangers in another city, recover from the devastation. Several establishments and corporations are also offering benefits and assistance to residents.
The Frost Science Museum is collecting food, water and hygiene products on behalf of Feeding South Florida in a hurricane relief drive. The drop-off location is the Frost Science Loading Dock on Biscayne Boulevard facing side of the museum.
https://twitter.com/OfficialJoelF/status/909788119544717312
As a sign of gratitude to first responders, FPL employees, active duty military, retired military and veterans can enjoy free admission to the museum with a valid ID. They are able to take up to five family members and the event will run through October 1.
Red Cross had to close blood donations for three days, and recently opened on September 12, resulting in over 2,100 lost blood and platelet donors. ABC Anchor Wendy Ryan says that there “is a desperate need for blood in the wake [of Irma],” and highly encourages for those available to make an appointment with Red Cross or OneBlood. OneBlood is thanking donors with a free haircut coupon to participating Sports Clips locations.
#RedCross was here before, during & after #Irma. Today we are providing 5,000 free meals at our Broward Chapter located at 600 NE 3rd Ave pic.twitter.com/b57jXhQPvE
— South Florida Red Cross (@SFLRedCross) September 15, 2017
Thanks to @PapaJohns for visiting our #RedCross shelter in Immokalee and serving thousands of pizzas over last three days. #IrmaRecovery pic.twitter.com/BqDSVY4DWz
— South Florida Red Cross (@SFLRedCross) September 18, 2017
FEMA is sending disaster survivor teams door-to-door throughout Florida to help survivors of Irma apply for aid from the agency; according to FEMA’s official twitter, federal and state staff are not charging for application services. However, there are scams and Florida SERT advises potential applications to not answer texts or calls asking for personal information.
.@fema will NOT ask for personal information or charge for services. Don't respond to texts, calls or personal requests seeking your info.
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) September 15, 2017
Though South Floridians were greatly affected the magnitude of the hurricane, residents are working together to make the most of a devastating situation. With more storms developing in the Atlantic and Hurricane Maria growing to be another threat for the islands and Florida, these hard workers and kind-hearted souls are also preparing to help those in need if disaster strikes again.
