Pensacola, Fla. (May 1, 2014) – On Thursday, May 1, The Salvation Army has served more than 1,200 meals, snacks and drinks to first responders and flood survivors, as Panhandle residents try to find “normalcy” after Tuesday evening’s torrential rains.
More than 26 inches of rain fell in the Pensacola area in less than 24 hours, prompting local officials and Gov. Rick Scott to declare a state of emergency in more than 20 Florida Panhandle communities.
Capt. Robert Cornett, Salvation Army of Pensacola corps officer, said as soon as the rain stopped, his team was assessing the damage and trying to figure out how they can help.
“We often see rain and flooding in Pensacola,” Cornett said. “But this community has never seen anything like this – flooding similar to a hurricane or tropical storm.”
Cornett said The Salvation Army in Pensacola and Escambia counties will concentrate helping survivors and working with its partners within the community to assure residents who need the help will receive it.
Salvation Army canteens from around Florida are in Pensacola helping to serve meals and distribute water and clean-up kits. Canteens (kitchen on wheels) from Tallahassee, Melbourne and Panama City are stationed strategically throughout the community, assisting residents with food and hydration.
If you would like to donate or learn how to volunteer with The Salvation Army in Pensacola please go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
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.
For more information on how The Salvation Army of Florida is responding to the storm, follow @salarmyfla and on Twitter, search for “Salvation Army Florida Division” on Facebook or go to our website, www.salvationarmyflorida.org. You can also go to www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org other ways The Salvation Army is helping residents recover from a disaster.
The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by this disaster to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Donors may also contribute $10 via their phone bill by *text messaging the word STORM to 80888, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.” Checks may be made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief and can be sent to your local Salvation Army in Florida. Please designate "2014 Disaster Relief" on all checks.
At this point, in-kind donations are not being accepted. Used clothing and used furniture are seldom required during an incident. However, these gifts are vitally important in supporting the day-to-day work of your local Salvation Army. Please consider giving these items to your local Salvation Army Family Store or dial 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825).
For the latest emergency disaster services news, please visit www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org and follow the EDS team on Twitter @SalArmyEDS.
In the short-term aftermath of a storm, Salvation Army officers and staff will focus primarily on the immediate needs of disaster survivors and first-responders, providing food and hydration for impacted individuals and families.
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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 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.
*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."
About The Salvation Army