PRESS RELEASE

Evacuees, Volunteers, Emergency Response Workers
Focus of Relief Efforts

August 31, 2008 – The Salvation Army's has served nearly 100,000 meals already throughout the gulf coast area as a result of Hurricane Gustav.  This includes food service for evacuees, volunteers and other first responders who are helping in the evacuation. The Salvation Army has more than 100 mobile feeding units, two 54' mobile kitchens and multiple fixed feeding sites at its Corps and other outposts throughout the region. The Army's total current feeding capability from Texas to Florida is more than 560,000 meals per day.

On Sunday, The Army set up feeding sites on evacuation routes, including at the Alabama Welcome Center on Interstate 20/59.  And, it provided lunch and dinner for 300 bus drivers at a site near Hattiesburg, MS. It has multiple other locations open through Texas and the surrounding states.

In addition, The Army has staging areas in Hattiesburg and Tyler, TX to support the gulf coast.  Volunteers, staff and vehicles are converging on those locations to wait for deployment with other equipment and supplies.

The Army also has a number of shelters open throughout the region, including five shelters operating in Texas, with others potentially available.

"Right now, The Salvation Army is fulfilling its mission to serve by helping evacuees, volunteers and response workers in the gulf coast area who are preparing for this very dangerous storm" said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.  "People need to heed the warning of the government and get out of the way of this hurricane."

In addition to feeding, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide:

  • Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies
  • Hygiene kits
  • Drinking water
  • Shower units
  • First-aid supplies
  • Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and
  • Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army encourages all residents of areas in Gustav's path to prepare an emergency supply kit, an evacuation plan and stay informed to all warnings and evacuation orders. Disaster response professionals recommend having a three-to-five day supply of food and water for each member of your family as well as flashlights, medication, and battery powered radio.

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.