March 25, 2015 – Oklahoma City, OK - The Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma is becoming active in disaster response to several areas as a result of weather related events. A strong storm system crossed Oklahoma and Arkansas this afternoon and evening that developed multiple thunderstorms and tornadoes.
OKLAHOMA
Major Carlyle Gargis, Central Oklahoma Area Commander, reports the Central Oklahoma Area Command mobile feeding unit (canteen) has been dispatched at the request of the City of Oklahoma City Emergency Manager. It will set up in southwest Oklahoma City. Additionally, the catering truck is being sent to Moore to assess the need for additional response. This evening, snacks will be provided to responders as well as storm survivors.
Major James Taylor, Tulsa Metropolitan Area Commander, and Captain Ben Walters, Sand Springs, report the Tulsa Area Command canteen has deployed to River Oaks Mobile Home Park in Sand Springs, where an estimated 60 mobile homes were destroyed. They are working closely with emergency management and serving first responders and disaster survivors.
ARKANSAS
Northwest Arkansas Area Command confirms there has been a tornado touch down. Major NJ Pope reports they are in communication with the local Emergency Manager and on standby to support as requested by Emergency Management officials.
Donations are always needed to offset the costs of services to storm victims. Please visit: www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate. All donations for disaster services will be used for the designated purpose. Additional updates will be posted at www.twitter.com/SalArmyAOk, www.facebook.com/SalArmyAOK, and www.twitter.com/SalArmy AOKEDS.
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.