CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Southwest Florida kids are getting a safe place to sit at the bus stop.
Now, there are more than 200 benches in the area after volunteers came through in a big way with the help of Lowe’s. But what’s going to happen to all those benches when hurricane season rolls around?
In a Category 1 hurricane, winds can reach 80 miles per hour. In a Category 5 hurricane, that doubles, meaning those benches can end up being flying debris.
Making sure the benches are removed from the bus stop and placed in a secured area is crucial.
Right now, the group Benches for our Babes said people can Adopt-a-Stop, which means a neighbor who lives near a bench can volunteer to be in charge of it.
At the end of the school year, they are responsible for removing it from the bus stop and putting it back when school starts back up again. The group said they are available if you need help moving the bench.
During hurricane season, it’s the same thing. They are responsible for putting the bench in a secure location.
However, if they don’t, what happens? Who’s liable if a bench ends up damaging something or worse, hurting someone?
The group said they have records of who adopted which bench. They said if you can’t move it yourself, you'll need to notify them. Then, they will come, move it and find a safe place to put it. If they are not notified and the bench ends up being flying debris, they are working to find out who would be liable for any damages or injuries.
So far, about 15 benches have been adopted.
If you would like to adopt one, contact Benches for our Babes.
The group said they are working with the City of Cape Coral and Lee County commissioners on other solutions.
