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Terri Madden, the owner of Sand Sea and Air Interiors Inc., located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a regular contributor to Marine Fabricator magazine, recently contacted IFAI to provide an update of the situation facing her business as well as many others on the hurricane-ravaged island.
“I am more fortunate than most,” Madden says. “I live in the metropolitan area prepared for hurricane Irma. (But) that was just a test for Puerto Rico. María has left every tree that manages to still stand stripped of its bark and leaves–a virtual Armageddon.” Madden wrote in an e-mail by candlelight. “We are on standby with FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] as a local vendor and using our 3200 square foot facility to accept basic items for those less fortunate.”
Madden said supplies like batteries, radios, solar items and food are still being held in the U.S., and that Puerto Rico could be without power for months. Her company is being used as a temporary distribution facility for donated supplies to those who live in remote parts of the island, and she asks for those affected to request items they critically need.
“We are working to re-establish complete capacity to serve in the recuperation and reparation of any damages you have suffered in your commercial establishment, residence, boat or other,” Madden wrote in a company statement posted on the Sand Sea and Air Facebook page. “We are asking you to inform us of your necessities to include you as we put together our material orders. This will accelerate the reconstruction and enable us to serve you better. We stand together to reconstruct and beautify our island again.”
Madden asks suppliers who are interested in donating items to e-mail info@sandseaair.com for specific shipping and donation instructions.