Commissioner Spence-Jones helps senior citizens in District 5 prepare for the 2008 Hurricane Season. Miami, FL- June 1st marks the beginning of the Hurricane Season and forecasters are predicting an active 2008 season. While most South Florida residents are well educated and informed on Hurricane preparedness, some of our most vulnerable residents like senior citizens are left wondering what to do in the event of a hurricane.

In order to help better prepare senior citizens in District 5 for the 2008 Hurricane season, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones will present the 3rd Annual Seniors First Hurricane Readiness Expo '08 on Tuesday, June 17th from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at Jungle Island, located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail.

The Seniors First Hurricane Readiness Expo will provide 500 seniors in District 5 with information needed to be better prepared during the 2008 Hurricane Season.  Representatives from various organizations including: Miami Dade County Office of Emergency Management, Florida Power & Light, City of Miami Fire-Rescue and the City of Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) and Community Development departments will be in attendance to answer questions, address concerns and present information on the do's and don'ts when confronted with a hurricane.

During the expo, seniors will have the opportunity to register for hurricane emergency services including free shutters under the My Safe Florida Home Program for those who are eligible. Free hurricane survival kits will be provided to each senior citizen that attends. Each kit will include items such as: flashlights with AM/FM radios and dry goods.

Seniors First is an initiative of Commissioner Spence-Jones that puts senior citizens first by providing food and information on health, housing and emergency disaster services to senior citizens in District 5.

"Each year, my office partners with various organizations in the South Florida community to present the Seniors First Hurricane Readiness Expo to make sure our senior citizens are fully prepared before and after a hurricane strikes," said Commissioner Spence-Jones "Although, South Florida has been spared a direct hit from a hurricane in the last few years we still want to make sure that our most vulnerable residents are prepared."

The Seniors First Hurricane Readiness Expo will be hosted by former NBC 6 Reporter, Ed O'Dell. For more information on the Seniors First Hurricane Expo, please call the Office of Commissioner Spence-Jones at 305-250-5390.This event is sponsored by the City of Miami, Florida Power & Light and Home Depot.

Participating agencies include: Florida Power & Light, Miami Neighborhood Advance Team (NET), Miami Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management, STEPS in the Right Direction, Community Action Agency, Communities United, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, City of Miami Community Development Department, Link up Lifeline, Switchboard and Curley's House of Style  Food bank.