• Matt Pochily

The Salvation Army of Hampton Roads, VA on Standby as Irene Approaches

Hampton Roads, VA (August 24, 2011) – The Hampton Roads Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (“EDS”) team has been placed on standby as Hurricane Irene approaches the region. Experts say Hurricane Irene has strengthened to a major Category 3 storm as it heads toward the East Coast.

Currently, The Salvation Army has 3 canteens stocked and ready to provide materials, emotional, and spiritual assistance to Hampton Roads residents.  Mobile canteens are capable of serving 1,000 meals per day.  Further information regarding Salvation Army response in North Carolina will be available shortly.

“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 Lewis Reckline of The Salvation Army.

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.

“As the storm approaches, we encourage residents throughout the potentially impacted states to prepare themselves and be safe,” said Major Reckline.

The Salvation Army is asking residents Hampton Roads and northern North Carolina to be prepared with an emergency disaster plan. Critical decisions need to be made ahead of time, before the storm makes landfall.

For more information on The Salvation Army’s preparation, suggested supplies, planning and response to Hurricane Irene, please visit http://www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org,  http://www.facebook.com/salarmyhr or http://twitter.com/salarmyhr.