Emergency declaration for 5 LA parishes, Salvation Army ALM crews on standby
Jon Kalahar | jon.kalahar@uss.salvationarmy.org
JACKSON, MS – As forecasts for Tropical Storm Harvey predict the future path the storm may take, The Salvation Army stands ready in Louisiana and neighboring states. The Louisiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now monitoring Harvey 24 hours a day. The Salvation Army Division Liaison Coordinator, Bill Feist, will deploy to the EOC tomorrow to coordinate with state and non-governmental organizations to identify opportunities for The Salvation Army to provide disaster relief to affected communities.
“Our liason works shoulder to shoulder with state, county and local agencies to coordinate mass care needs such as food and hydration.” said Terry Lightheart, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Emergency/Disaster Services Director. “Coordination and communication is so important because no single agency can help everyone who is or may be in need.”
The federal emergency declaration is for Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion parishes in southern Louisiana. Although torrential rain has already fallen, state officials are expecting upwards of ten to fifteen inches more in the coming days.
“Much like Texas, the National Weather Service is reporting the main threat for the southwest portion of Louisiana as flooding.” said Lightheart. “We also have been monitoring threats from isolated tornadoes.”
The Salvation Army is prepared to respond when needed. Currently, 29 canteens or mobile feeding trucks are on standby with personnel.
“Whether disaster relief needs are in Louisiana or Texas, we are ready. The mobile feeding units are stocked and personnel are prepared to deploy.” said Lightheart.
How People Can Help
The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.
Online: helpsalvationarmy.org
Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
Mail Checks to:
The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301
Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks.
Text to Give: STORM to 51555
About The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.