Emergency Generators Installed on Mississippi Gulf Coast

Biloxi, MS (April 10, 2014) – The Salvation Army has completed a yearlong preparedness project along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi.  The project, a joint endeavor between The Salvation Army and Mississippi Emergency Management, installed 2 massive 350Kilowatt generators at The Salvation Army Kroc Center facility in Biloxi.

The Salvation Army’s new facility in Biloxi sits on the footprint of what was once known as Yankee Stadium.  Yankee Stadium was a central Salvation Army location during Hurricane Katrina, and many lessons were learned after the months of service there.  While The Salvation Army was able to get food, and water to the area, it was not without major logistical problems. During much of the time, there was a lack of electrical power.  A large scale operation like the one at Yankee Stadium required massive amounts of power to operate all the resources in use.
  
The lessons of Hurricane Katrina were learned by many organizations, and these lessons resound strong throughout the halls at The Salvation Army.   It was determined early that units along the coast needed to be more self-sufficient in times of major storm events.  The Salvation Army has a commitment to the community to serve, and if they are unable to get power, this service is reduced considerably.

While the price tag for such an undertaking is hefty, the reward of having such a resource is even larger.  Emergency Disaster Services Director, Thad Hicks stated, “A project like this allows us to be more efficient and effective in delivering service to those most affected by a hurricane or other large scale disasters.”  Hicks added, “Lives will be saved through this investment in the community!”

The Salvation Army stands ready to help anyone, in any way they can during a disaster or emergency event.  For more information on The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services work, and how you might be able to help, please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.