NASHVILLE, TENN – The Salvation Army is preparing for hurricane Sandy as it makes its way up the eastern sea board with potentially devastating impacts to millions of people. The Nashville Area Command is on standby, ready to deploy, as needed and requested by emergency management personnel. Our canteens (mobile feeding kitchens) have been stocked and fueled, which are capable of serving 1,000 meals per day. The Salvation Army is equipped with more than 300 canteens in the Eastern and Southern United sates alone and more than 600 units nationwide.
In addition to food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care, The Salvation Army is also prepared to provide clean up kits, hygiene kits, shower units, first-aid supplies, and communications support.
The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory has already encountered this storm and the after affects in the countries of Jamaica, Bahamas and Haiti. Food, water, clothes and shelter are being feverishly provided to those citizens who are trying to recover from Sandy’s rampage. Already in Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams are collaborating with emergency management officials to ensure preparedness. Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development secretary explains, “Our emergency disaster response teams will continue to closely monitor the storm track and utilize our resources to reach survivors and first responders.”
Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized. Donors are encouraged to give online at www.salarmy-nashville.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”
Those interested in volunteering should register at www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.or g. Please note that disaster service training is a prerequisite for volunteering in a disaster zone and not all registered volunteers will be called on to serve.
For the latest updates on The Salvation Army’s response to disaster, please visit www.salarmy-nashville.org, http://salarmynashville.tumblr.com, https://www.facebook.com/salarm ynashville, or http://twitter.com/salarmy