PRESS RELEASE
Resources and Manpower Mobilized Throughout Florida in Anticipation of Tropical Storm Fay
August 18, 2008 – Salvation Army personnel throughout Florida are mobilizing to respond to Tropical Storm Fay, which forecasters are predicting could hit western Florida.
The Salvation Army has stationed 30 canteens (or mobile kitchens) in the southern, western and central parts of Florida can be mobilized when the storm passes, if needed. The Salvation Army has also made contact with staff outside the state and additional resources are on standby, if needed.
One of the largest mobile kitchens is located in Fort Myers. The canteen is equipped to feed up to 2,500 meals in a day. A secondary, smaller, canteen can also been used in Hendry and Lee Counties.
In Naples, Salvation Army personnel are also preparing its canteen - loading food and gathering personnel.
In Port Charlotte - where Hurricane Charley hit just four years ago - The Salvation Army is halting construction on its new chapel and administration center. Construction on that project should be completed in two months, said Major Caleb Prieto, corps officer in Port Charlotte.
"We've secured all the buildings and the canteen is stocked for three days," he said. "I think people have learned a lesson and everyone is preparing for the storm."
Major Ken Morris, divisional secretary for The Salvation Army's Florida division who oversees disaster operations for the organization, said residents have learned lessons from previous Florida storms.
"People are remembering previous storms that have come through Florida and it brings back bad memories," he said. "But it also reminds us of the seriousness of it all - that we need to take precautions."
Along with setting up mobile kitchens in affected communities, The Salvation Army is also prepared to mobilize two field kitchens, which can feed up to 20,000 meals a day. The Salvation Army can also set up comfort stations equipped with ice, restrooms and water.
Relief efforts will extend throughout the impacted region. In the short-term aftermath of the storm, Salvation Army officers and staff will focus primarily on the immediate needs of disaster survivors and first-responders, providing food, hydration and shelter for impacted individuals and families.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
