JUL
Tampa Bay, FL (July 31, 2017) – Salvation Army units throughout Tampa Bay are prepared and on stand-by to help residents as Tropical Storm Emily hovers over the area today and tomorrow. With a presence in every county throughout Florida, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to support emergency management personnel and our local communities.
Trained, dedicated staff and volunteers are actively monitoring the weather across the bay area and are in regular communication with officials throughout the region. During the last few months leading into hurricane season, The Salvation Army has hosted several trainings for staff and volunteers.
Because The Salvation Army has a long history of response in disaster situations – large and small – a net of trained personnel and response vehicles (mobile feeding units) designed for rapid and free-standing response are ready to be deployed.
“While Tropical Storm Emily is not a major hurricane, indications are that this is going to a major rain event for all of south Florida,” says Kevin Smith, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Florida. “We encourage everyone to take this time to make sure they have a disaster preparedness plan in place.”
For information on how to create a disaster preparedness plan, or become a volunteer with The Salvation Army, please visit www.SalvationArmyTampaBay.org. Additional information on The Salvation Army’s preparations for Tropical Storm Emily can be found at http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/.