• Dulcinea Cuellar Kimrey

Salvation Army of Florida monitors Isaac, places mobile kitchens on standby

Tampa, Fla. (August 27, 2012) – The Salvation Army continues monitoring Tropical Storm Isaac for possible impact in the Panhandle. The Salvation Army of Florida has a fleet of mobile and field kitchens, shower trailers and other equipment at the ready to help those impacted by the storm.

“I am very proud of our volunteers and staff as they adjust their capabilities to respond to Tropical Storm Isaac,” said Major Thomas Louden, Incident Commander. “The Salvation Army continues to prove its commitment to our mission of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human need in His name without discrimination particularly during times of disaster and human tragedy.”

In South Florida, The Salvation Army has served more than 1,200 meals since Isaac’s outer bands hit the area Saturday. Even today (Monday), The Salvation Army is facing a crisis of its own as the Miami Area Command is being flooded.

On Sunday, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll toured The Salvation Army of Florida disaster warehouse in Tampa. The warehouse is The Salvation Army’s disaster services epicenter, where mobile kitchens, equipment and supplies are dispatched to disaster areas.

Carroll praised The Salvation Army’s readiness with Isaac or any other disaster that may strike Tampa.

“Lt. Gov. Carroll’s visit to our warehouse was a tremendous blessing,” Louden said. “She expressed a deep appreciation for the total mission of The Salvation Army and took time to greet each volunteer and staff member.”

The Salvation Army is also supporting first responders and the public with hydration stations in downtown Tampa. It is operating 24 hour shifts out of its Florida disaster warehouse in Tampa.

With regions of Florida still recovering from Tropical Storm Debby flooding, The Salvation Army is prepared to help residents who may be affected by Isaac as well.

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
• Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army encourages all residents of areas in the storm’s path to prepare an Emergency supply kit and stay informed to all warnings. Disaster response professionals recommend having a three to five day supply of food and water for each individual of your family as well as flashlights, medication, and battery powered radio.

For more information on how The Salvation Army of Florida is responding to the storm, follow @salarmyfla on Twitter, search for “Salvation Army Florida Division” on Facebook or go to our website, www.salvationarmyflorida.org. You can also go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org other ways The Salvation Army is helping residents recover from a disaster. 

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by this disaster to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Donors may also contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word STORM to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.” Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Please designate "2012 Hurricane Relief" on all checks.

At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted. Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident. However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Family Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).

For the latest emergency disaster services news, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the EDS team on Twitter @SalArmyEDS.

In the short-term aftermath of a storm, Salvation Army officers and staff will focus primarily on the immediate needs of disaster survivors and first-responders, providing food and hydration for impacted individuals and families.

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.