Crossville,
Tennessee – Several tornadoes
have been confirmed as severe storms moved across the region killing at least
10 people. The Salvation Army, serving year-round in every zip code in the
county, has activated Emergency Disaster Services teams to assist with the
response.
One such deployment is in Cumberland County, Tennessee. Tracking the path of the storm throughout the day, local Salvation Army personnel was prepared by the time the storm hit. “We had a canteen and trained crew of volunteers in place at the touchdown sight in the community of Rinnie within an hour receiving the request from the EOC,” said Joe Hughes, Divisional Disaster Services Coordinator for the Kentucky and Tennessee Division.
“It’s a great crew of committed volunteers who take their responsibilities very seriously,” said Dina Meyers, who coordinates community efforts in Cumberland County for The Salvation Army. “We’ve built strong relationships with local government agencies and community partners so we are prepared and equipped to respond to the needs of the community”, Meyers stated.
The Salvation Army is on site in Cumberland County to provide meals, snacks, coffee and water to storm victims, emergency responders and volunteers still involved in the search and rescue efforts. Local Subway stores have contributed food to the response effort, a great example of community partnership.
The Salvation Army is working in partnership with state and local authorities to determine the needs and plan an appropriate response. Hughes stated, “We plan to serve throughout the night and into tomorrow. After that we will reassess the needs and respond appropriately.”
“The wide-spread zone of impact for these storms makes appropriate response a challenge, but it is one that we are up to meeting,” Hughes said.
Mobile Feeding Kitchens, or Canteens, from Louisville, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Nashville have been placed on alert and additional response personnel are standing by in Richmond & Bardstown, Kentucky.
For the latest news about Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services or to make a donation in the support of those impacted by this disaster, please visit: www.disaster.SalvationArmyUSA.o rg or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
You may also help The Salvation Army now by texting “SAnow” 80888 to make a $10.00 contribution to the relief effort. The donation will appear on your next phone bill.
About the Salvation Army: The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. 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. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org