Chavivim Volunteers Head to Florida Ahead of Hurricane Milton
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Florida is preparing for Hurricane Milton, set to make landfall and expected to be one of the most destructive hurricanes in history. The storm has been gaining strength and is being tracked as a Category 4 or 5, with millions of residents evacuating their homes.
Boots on the Ground in Tampa
To help residents prepare and to be on scene when the storm hits, multiple Chavivim volunteers from Rockland, Orange County, Boro Park, and Williamsburg traveled to Tampa, where they are meeting up with six additional Tampa-based Chavivim volunteers who reside there.
They traveled with trailer-loads of rescue boats, 20 generators, and a full complement of lifesaving equipment — prepared for any scenario that may arise as Milton approaches.
A Coordinated Search-and-Rescue Response
"Chavivim Tampa Coordinator Shia Lerner reached out to our Search and Rescue team to assist with the hurricane approaching, utilizing our highly trained and prepared members along with their equipment and experience," said Chavivim coordinator Chesky Sander.
"Groups are currently underway, heading out to help residents prepare for the storm, while others will arrive later to assist in the aftermath."
Trained, Equipped, and Ready
The Florida deployment reflects the same standard our SAR team trains to all year long — field-ready members, reliable equipment, and command-driven coordination across regions.
From swift-water rescue capability to power restoration with portable generators, the convoy heading south carries the tools needed to help neighborhoods weather the storm and recover after it passes.
A Message from Our Coordinator
"We hope our assistance won't be needed in any severe way, and that this hurricane will pass with minimal incidents," Sander added.
Whatever the storm brings, our volunteers are positioned to help — alongside Chavivim members from across the country — until residents in Tampa and the surrounding region are safe and back on their feet.
Photos and original reporting courtesy of Daily Monroe.