PRESS RELEASE

August 26, 2011 – As Hurricane Irene approaches the Southeastern United States as the first hurricane of the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, The Salvation Army is preparing staff, equipment and supplies to serve as needed. In the southern U.S. alone, the Army has more than 270 emergency response vehicles including canteens (mobile kitchens), shower trailers, field kitchens, and additional logistics equipment available. The Salvation Army will provide food, drinks and spiritual and emotional care to emergency responders and community members should Irene produce severe storms and damage between Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and the greater Washington, DC area, New York City and New England.

“With the threat of Hurricane Irene bearing down on the continental U.S., The Salvation Army is taking every precaution necessary to ready equipment and supplies to provide emergency relief services as needed to anyone who may be impacted by the storm,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army. “The Army has stockpiled warehouse facilities across the southeastern U.S. with food, water and medical supplies for use in a major disaster.”

While the forecast keeps the eye of the storm off the eastern coast of Florida, and into Georgia, the Carolinas and the greater Washington, DC area, New York City and New England there is a significant possibility that as it moves north, Hurricane Irene will produce severe storms with the potential for flooding and numerous tornado warnings. The Salvation Army’s mobile kitchens are strategically placed around Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and the greater Washington, DC area, New York City and New England to support a response along the east coast. If Irene passes without significant damage in Florida, the units will be available to support neighboring states.

“Personnel from the southern tip of Florida through New England are monitoring Irene’s path closely and will be ready to respond to the needs of individuals before and after the storm,” said Major Hood. “But as the storm approaches, we encourage residents throughout the potentially impacted states to prepare themselves and be safe.”

The Salvation Army is asking residents of the entire east coast from Florida to New England, to be prepared with an emergency disaster plan. Critical decisions need to be made ahead of time, before the storm makes landfall.

Monetary donations:

•Click here to make a donation by credit card.

• Cell phone users may text the word STORM to 80888. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your cell phone bill. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t. 
           
• Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Be sure to designate your gift "Hurricane Irene".

Donations of used Household Goods and Clothing:

• Due to the high expense and time demands associated with delivering your gently-used household goods and clothing (gifts-in-kind), The Salvation cannot guarantee that any individual gifts-in-kind donated now will be sent to the disaster area. In time of disaster, our stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock. By continuing to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store, you not only help your community, you help us prepare for future disaster relief needs. To find your nearest drop-off location, please go to www.satruck.org.

The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army call 651-746-3400. Click below to make an online donation.

• Press Releases
• Newsletters
• Calendar
• Success Stories
• Media
• Photos