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The Salvation Army of Wake County NC on Standby as Irene Approaches

Wake County, NC (August 23, 2011) - The Salvation Army of Wake County

Emergency Disaster Services (“EDS”) team has been placed on standby as Hurricane

Irene approaches the North Carolina Region. Currently, The Salvation Army has

multiple mobile canteens, which are capable of serving thousands of meals per day,

stocked and ready to provide material, emotional, and spiritual assistance to survivors.

 

Experts say both Carolinas remain in the “cone of forecast” for Irene’s path. The storm

could strengthen into a powerful Category 4 Hurricane off the Florida coast by the end of

this week, with major impacts anticipated along the coastlines of the Carolinas, and

major wind, rainfall and storm surge affecting the inland areas.

 

The Salvation Army is prepared for whatever impact affects the Wake County region.

Just last Friday and Saturday, August 19th and 20th. The Salvation Army held Disaster

Response Training programs for staff and volunteers in preparation for hurricane

season. Salvation Army staff and over 25 volunteers were present, developing skills and

learning protocol in case of a disaster, just like the one that could occur if Hurricane

Irene hits.

 

“Volunteers were crucial in helping us provide relief to victims of the April

tornadoes,” said Lizzy Adams, Volunteer & Resource Coordinator in Wake County.

“Without volunteers who are knowledgeable about disaster relief procedures and

processes, we could not serve the community as effectively during such a difficult time.”

 

Once damage reports have been received and local needs have been determined, EDS

teams will serve throughout the impacted region. In the short-term aftermath of the

storm, Salvation Army officers and staff will focus primarily on immediate needs

providing food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to impacted individuals and

families.