The Salvation Army Readies for Tropical Storm Debby's Early Visit

Jackson, Miss. (June 24, 2012) – Salvation Army personnel throughout the central Gulf Coast are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby which is  forecast to develop into Hurricane Debby .  Salvation Army offices in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi have 24 mobile feeding units and a fully-equipped 54-foot field kitchen ready for immediate response. 

The storm system is forecast to drop large amounts of rain and produce a storm surge of two to four feet on parts of south Louisiana and Mississippi with the potential for widespread flooding across the region. Additionally, areas in the storm’s path are expected to experience extended periods of strong winds with the potential for tornadic activity.

“The Salvation Army is taking every precaution necessary to ready equipment and supplies to provide emergency relief services as needed to anyone who may be impacted by the storm,” stated Major Ronnie Raymer, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army’s Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division. “As the storm approaches, we encourage residents throughout the potentially impacted states to prepare themselves and be alert to severe weather conditions.”

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.

“It is imperative that residents of New Orleans and the central Gulf Coast region heed all warnings and orders associated with this storm system, regardless of its path,” said Bill Feist, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army’s ALM Division.

The Salvation Army asks people who want support its Emergency Disaster Services to visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs.  A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, bucket and cleaning supplies.  The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you. Please follow our storm response at www.twitter.com/salarmyalm.

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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 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 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. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.