Salvation Army Responds to Continuing Forecasts for Severe Weather in OK

Moore, OK (May 30, 2013) -- The Salvation Army’s tornado recovery effort continues in Oklahoma. With a third day of severe weather forecast for a widespread area around Oklahoma City this evening, the Emergency Disaster Services team is closely monitoring weather conditions and making plans for today’s feeding, distribution, and emotional and spiritual care operations.

Because safety is our top priority for all EDS personnel as well as the Oklahomans we serve, The Salvation Army continues to follow specific safety guidelines for all ongoing Salvation Army tornado response operations, which include instructions for all EDS staff to monitor weather radio for updates on ongoing weather threats and if severe weather moves into the area to seek shelter immediately at the closest designated safe facility.

A dozen weather radios have been distributed to EDS personnel at the Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads distribution center and in each of our canteens (mobile kitchen).

For the safety of the public and EDS personnel, The Salvation Army is making the following modification to today’s services:

• The Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads (Distribution Center/Warehouse) will close for distribution at 4:00 p.m. today (5/31).

• All Salvation Army Fixed and Roving Feedings will be available today until 4:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army will continue to monitor the weather each day and make any necessary modifications to services, locations, and personnel that may be necessary for public and personnel safety.

Daily updates will be issued as necessary.

Since Sunday, May 19, The Salvation Army has provided 40,146 meals, 56,046 drinks, and 43,185 snacks, 22 Canteens (mobile feeding units), 1,052 Clean Up and 1,472 Comfort (hygiene) kits, and prayer with 5,121 persons since Sunday, May 19. Nearly 9,080 hours have been logged by volunteers, employees and officers.

For the most recent, detailed information, visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

For those who would like to give to The Salvation Army, please consider a monetary donation. It is easy to give to The Salvation Army:
• By phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Online at www.salvationarmyusa.org
• By mail: The Salvation Army - Disaster Relief P.O. BOX 2536 Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Please make checks payable to "The Salvation Army" and clearly marked "May 2013 Oklahoma Tornadoes."
• You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”*

Currently, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations. In-kind donations require sorting, boxing, palletizing, storage, and delivery to the disaster location. All of these activities can be costly and time consuming, and therefore may delay service delivery. Used clothing and used furnishings are not needed for disaster relief.

However, The Salvation Army depends upon your donation of used clothing and other items to support local programming. Please consider donating your used clothing to your local Salvation Army Family Store.

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 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. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

*A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Message & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and TMobile. By participating you certify that you agree to the terms and conditions, that you are 18 yrs. or older, or have parental permission, and have authorization from the account holder. Donations are collected for the benefit of The Salvation Army by the Innovative Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 80888 to stop; Text HELP to 80888 for help.