ATLANTA, GA (August 29, 2023) – As Hurricane Idalia approaches, The Salvation Army of Georgia is taking proactive steps to extend physical, emotional, and spiritual support to survivors and relief workers across the southern counties of the Peach State. The leadership team at The Salvation Army Georgia Divisional Headquarters in Atlanta, including Divisional Commander Major Algerome Newsome, General Secretary Major Barry Corbitt, and Divisional Emergency Disaster Services Director Lanita Lloyd, is collaborating to devise a comprehensive strategy aimed at delivering aid and hope to Georgians in the path of Hurricane Idalia.
Predicted to make landfall along the western Florida coast as a Category 3 Hurricane, Idalia is anticipated to track northeastward, directly impacting the southern region of Georgia sometime early Wednesday afternoon as a Category 1 Hurricane.
“Being prepared for potential disasters is of utmost importance,” emphasized Major Newsome. “The Salvation Army of Georgia stands steadfastly prepared to offer care and solace in the name of Jesus to those who may face the impact of Hurricane Idalia – extending our support when they need it the most.”
During times of crisis, The Salvation Army is renowned for its tradition of serving hot meals from mobile canteens, facilitating the distribution of cleaning supplies, and providing comfort to the affected individuals. In anticipation of Hurricane Idalia’s impact, The Salvation Army of Georgia has assembled an adept Incident Command Team and strategically positioned 5 out of its 24 mobile kitchens (canteens) within the projected impact area. Additionally, other canteens are on standby, primed to deploy to the areas that will likely be hardest hit.
Lanita Lloyd, Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army of Georgia, affirmed, “The Salvation Army has an extensive history of active involvement in disasters, ranging from hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods to extended relief efforts such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. We have consistently been present where the need is most profound, and our commitment remains unwavering as we address the repercussions of Hurricane Idalia.”
Notably, The Salvation Army of Georgia has been formally requested to furnish three meals a day for all operational representatives at the Emergency Operations Centers in Glynn and Chatham Counties during the Hurricane Idalia response.
“As we continually monitor and assess the situation,” stated Lanita Lloyd, “our course of action will be dictated by the exact impact of Hurricane Idalia on our state. We stand ready to deploy Salvation Army resources to aid those in the areas most severely affected.”
