Tropical Storm Idalia response from The Salvation Army of Florida

Emergency Disaster Services personnel is preparing for impacts throughout Florida

Tampa, Florida, (August 28, 2023) — The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is on standby and ready to deploy in case Tropical Storm Idalia makes landfall as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.

If Tropical Storm Idalia upgrades to a Category 2, which it’s forecasted to do so, the west coast of the State will most likely suffer damage due to storm surge, winds, and potential for tornados.

"In preparation for this hurricane, we have begun making necessary arrangements to have our trained personnel ready to respond as soon as it is safe to do." said Steven Hartsook, Director of The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services.  "We also have staged meal kits, water and other emergency supplies to deploy to the impacted areas with our canteens and are coordinating feeding with our Florida Baptist Disaster Relief partners."

All mobile canteens have been placed on standby for the potential of deploying to the impacted area or supporting local emergency management requests for support. 

For more information on The Salvation Army's emergency disaster response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

To make a financial gift to support emergency disaster relief efforts or to volunteer, please go to the following:

· Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.

· Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

· Text-To-Donate: Text STORM to 51555 to donate to help disaster relief efforts.

· Current media releases, updates, and information - www.disaster.salvationarmy.org

One hundred percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.