PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Incident Command Team
Moves into Impacted Areas
September 1, 2008 – The Salvation Army today transitioned from staging and evacuation support to emergency response as its incident command team for Louisiana deployed from Hattiesburg, Miss., to Hammond, La. The move will put the leaders of the disaster response operation in proximity to the impacted areas. On Tuesday, the team is expected to do a damage assessment and set up a center of operations for the anticipated long-term recovery.
"The evacuations and preparations for Hurricane Gustav have been efficient and smooth so far," said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. "This is a multi-state effort and we are working closely with the state and local governments to help all those in need. We are anticipating severe property damage and are hoping and praying for all those who have been affected."
The Salvation Army has already served more than 110,000 meals throughout the Gulf Coast area as a result of Hurricane Gustav and has a feeding capacity from Texas to Florida of more than 560,000 meals. This includes food service for evacuees, volunteers and other emergency response workers who are helping in the evacuation. The Salvation Army has more than 100 mobile feeding units, four 54' mobile kitchens and multiple fixed feeding sites at its Corps and other outposts throughout the region. The Salvation Army also has 70 canteens on reserve should the need arise. It is operating approximately 15 shelters throughout the southeastern United States and is providing emotional and spiritual care to those in need.
As part of its disaster response operation, 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
Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors' most immediate needs. A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days and will provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit (containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies). The Salvation Army currently is not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims; however, please continue supporting your local Salvation Army thrift store and the much needed programs your in-kind gifts support.
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.
