WASHINGTON - Devastating, widespread flooding from Hurricane Michael is expected to be the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Florida Panhandle. The storm has already begun lashing the Golf Coast with tropical-storm conditions. Florida Gov. Scott has warned residents, many of which are our educators and students, of the devastation that could spread across the coastal regions.
The following is a statement from NEA President Lily Eskelsen García.
"Hurricane Michael has swelled to a dangerous Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters have warned about a potentially devastating storm surge, along with punishing winds that could tear through the region today and tomorrow.
In the spirit of solidarity and compassion, NEA is asking its members and the public, as we did last year after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and just last month after Hurricane Florence, to help educators and schools affected by Hurricane Michael. Communities in North and South Carolina are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Florence.
Visit NEA's Hurricane Resources & Relief page to contribute to our disaster-relief fund.
The road to recovery will be long. NEA members and their communities will need our ongoing contributions to make it through this difficult and emotionally draining time. They need to know we are with them, that we share their sorrow and empathize with their losses. Our compassion and generous donations will help restore their hope that tomorrow will be better.
For educators seeking information for talking with students about hurricanes and assist them with any trauma they may be experiencing, check out the additional resources on the Hurricane Resources and Relief page.
Let’s continue to keep all affected families and communities in our thoughts and prayers, long after Hurricane Michael leaves the national news. Together, we can play a role in helping our members find the strength to get through this."
Media Contact
- Celeste Fernandez
- [email protected]
