• Dulcinea Kimrey

The Salvation Army of Florida prepares as Hurricane Irma Intensifies

(Lutz, Fla) Sept. 5, 2017 – While it’s too early to know for sure if there will be any potential impacts from Hurricane Irma on Florida, The Salvation Army isn’t taking any chances. It is pulling its assets and personnel from Hurricane Harvey deployment in Texas and staging them throughout the state, preparing to serve the communities impacted by the hurricane.

The Salvation Army has 32 canteens (mobile kitchens) on standby along with a fleet of equipment which includes two field kitchens and various units to support personnel. The Salvation Army has more than 3,000 trained volunteers and staff in Florida, ready to offer a warm meal, bottled water, coffee or offer emotional and spiritual care.

“The Salvation Army is fully committed to serving the residents of communities in the potential path of Hurricane Irma,” said Major David Erickson, General Secretary for The Salvation Army of Florida. “With its trained volunteers and staff throughout the United States, The Salvation Army can manage several disasters at a time.”

In times of disaster, The Salvation Army works with its partners at the Emergency Operations Center to coordinate relief efforts for the impacted area.

The best way to help survivors and relief workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors as the need continues to be assessed. 

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those directly affected by the storm to visit helpsalvationarmy.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text “Storm” to 51555.

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).