• Cynthia Fuller

The Salvation Army Deploys Team to Oversee Disaster Response Operations in Oklahoma, Arkansas

Tulsa, Oklahoma (May 30, 2019) – The Salvation Army is busy providing food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to people affected by the recent flooding and tornadoes in Oklahoma and Arkansas.  An Incident Command Team has been deployed to Tulsa, Oklahoma to oversee disaster response operations in the two states.  

Salvation Army officers and staff from Conway, Fayetteville, and Hot Springs, Arkansas as well as Chickasha, Lawton, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma have been deployed as part of the Incident Command team that will provide leadership for The Salvation Army’s disaster response.  One mobile feeding unit (canteen) from Enid, Oklahoma and a roving response unit from Oklahoma City have been deployed to Tulsa to assist with the initial community support efforts.  Each unit is equipped with staff who will provide food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to survivors of the catastrophic weather events.

The Salvation Army is already at work in communities who were in the path of the storms.  As of May 29, The Salvation Army has provided more than 1,800 meals, 2,700 drinks, and 600 snacks to survivors and first responders.  Shelter has been provided to almost 500 people displaced by the storms and flooding. 

“When the flood waters began to rise last week, we received a request from our emergency management partners to support our neighbors who were in the flood zone. We never wish to get the call, yet it is an honor to serve,” said Major David Robinson, Lawton Commanding Officer and Incident Commander. “We are planning ahead to be in a position to respond as quickly as possible after the waters recede.”

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation to the charity of your choice.  Cash is flexible, can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

• Donate Online: www.helpsalvationarmy.org
• Donate by Mail: The Salvation Army PO BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA  30301.  Please designate 'May 2019 OK/AR Storms' on all checks.
• Donate by Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate by Text: Text STORM to 51555 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.