• Victoria Hastings

Salvation Army Orlando Doubles Serving Capacity in Times of Disaster

Orlando, FL (March 26, 2012) – Since time began, humans have been attempting to predict the weather using everything from superstitions to high tech instruments.  While predictions vary, it is the responsibility of The Salvation Army, as a first-responder, to prepare for the worst and to pray for the best. 

The Salvation Army in Orlando is committed to providing the best disaster relief services possible.  As a result of this commitment, the Orlando Area Command has been given a state-of-the-art, brand new mobile feeding unit, also known as a canteen.  This unit, and others like it, provides The Salvation Army its first level of response in a disaster.  It is the tool used to identify what, where, and how many are in need.  This allows The Salvation Army to target its rehabilitation to responders and survivors through rest, nourishment, and hydration.

Why is this canteen so great?  First of all, it increases the capacity for the Orlando Area Command to respond within its own community.  Additionally, it increases the capacity across the state when the Florida Division calls upon the Orlando disaster team to respond to a regional or national disaster.  This canteen has the capability of producing 3,000 meals per day, which is a 100% increase from the previous canteen.  It is loaded with commercial grade appliances; in that it has two convection ovens, two thirty gallon tilt skillets, two microwaves, and two commercial grade coffee makers. This canteen has been custom designed with work-flow and efficient production being at the top of the list for the layout of the kitchen area.

This unit is going to be on display at the National Hurricane Conference, at the Hilton Orlando (6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819) on Tuesday, March 27th 9:30am-5:00pm; 6:30pm-7:30pm and on Wednesday, March 28th 9:30am-4:00pm.  The annual, National Hurricane Conference is "the nation's forum for education and professional training in hurricane and disaster preparedness." With an average of 2,000 attendees from around the country, the conference covers all major aspects of hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery.

For more information on Salvation Army canteens, visit www.salarmyeds.org and click on the “Training” tab at the top, go to section entitled “Podcasts,” and look for “What is a Canteen?”.  For more information on becoming a disaster volunteer visit www.salarmyeds.org and click on the “Join our Team” button on the right of the screen. The Salvation Army in Orlando will also be hosting free disaster training March 30th and 31st.  Call or email Wendy Hu for details at 407.423.8581 x 215 or wendy_hu@uss.salvationarmy.org.