The Salvation Army Responds to Extreme Weather in Fort Payne, Alabama

Ft. Payne, AL (February 21, 2014) – As the region continues to deal with weather events, last evening’s storm brought dangerous high winds and the reports of tornadoes in the area of Ft. Payne, AL.

The Salvation Army is currently in the area assessing the damage and actively coordinating with local officials to determine how The Salvation Army might assist. The Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi Division of The Salvation Army is quite large consisting of all areas in these three states, so it is difficult to get an overall picture of the entire division without the help of field representatives. As the field receives information on the ground, the information is forwarded up the chain to the Emergency Disaster Services Department. According to Thad Hicks, The ALM Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Director, “During these early moments after a disaster event, Salvation Army representatives in the field get little rest, and our representatives in NE Alabama have done a great job of communicating our abilities to the local agencies.”

The Salvation Army representative in the area, Felicia Knight stated, “The area suffered real damage, and we have been contacted by the local emergency management agency to begin providing meals to those affected by the storms.” In addition to feeding, The Salvation Army Family store has made clothing and home materials available to storm survivors.

Salvation Army ALM Divisional Disaster Director Thad Hicks responds, “The Salvation Army continues to monitor the situation and will enlarge our response as needed.”  Whenever disasters strike, The Salvation Army is always prepared to respond to the needs of our communities.” Mr. Hicks adds “Our area is no stranger to disaster, which is why The Salvation Army takes an active role in training volunteers so we are always prepared to serve.”

The Salvation Army is grateful for any monetary donations; these can be made by calling 1-800-Sal-Army or by visiting www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org earmarked for Fort Payne, AL storm relief. For more information on this disaster relief, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

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 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 spent is used to carry out those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.