Trained disaster professionals identifying needs, conducting outreach in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams are beginning to meet the needs of Florida communities affected by Hurricane Idalia and the life-threatening storm surge it brought to the coast. Before the storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on August 30, trained disaster relief personnel, including more than 35 mobile feeding units, were put on standby to begin serving immediately after the storm passed. Officials have stated that, due to wind damage and substantial storm surge, many affected areas will be difficult to access for weeks to come.
"The Salvation Army will continue to serve communities affected by emergency disasters, just as we have since 1900," said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. "Whether it is a devastating hurricane like Idalia, wildfires in Hawaii, or record-breaking heat affecting millions of people, we are dedicated to extending support and relief long after a disaster has passed."
In addition to working with other disaster relief organizations, The Salvation Army is also collaborating with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies to monitor ongoing impacts and adapt response efforts as needed. In preparation for these response efforts, several steps were taken to serve those impacted:
"We are doing everything we can to assess the damage of Hurricane Idalia and serve those in the community who need us the most," said Jeff Jellets, EDS Director for The Salvation Army's Southern Territory. "Earlier this summer, we conducted comprehensive training exercises to prepare for disasters exactly like this and we're more than ready to provide immediate support for those affected by this storm."
To learn more about The Salvation Army's state-of-the-art disaster preparedness training exercises, click here.
The best way to support ongoing efforts in Florida is by making a financial contribution, which allows The Salvation Army to meet immediate and long-term needs. Those who are able to donate can do so through a variety of convenient methods:
To learn more about The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts, click here.
For media inquiries, please email [email protected].
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, shelter for the homeless, and rehabilitation services for people in need. The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,000 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of "America's Favorite Charities" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
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SOURCE The Salvation Army
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