• Christopher McGown

Salvation Army Response To Kentucky Tornadoes Increases As Needs Increase

Crossville, TN (February 29, 2012)  – Several tornadoes have been confirmed as severe storms moved across the Midwest; responsible for killing at least 10 people.   The Salvation Army in five states in the Mid and Southwest have activated Emergency Disaster Services response teams and equipment, adding to the year-round services offered in every zip code in the County.

One such deployment is in Cumberland County, Tennessee.   The Salvation Army structure allows for prepositioning of a variety of emergency response equipment in strategic locations around the country, including a canteen trailer (mobile feeding unit) stationed in Crossville, Tennessee.   “We had a canteen and trained crew of volunteers in place at the touchdown sight in the community of Rinnie within an hour of 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 response and responsibilities very seriously,” said Dina Meyers, the Salvation Army representative who coordinates the community efforts in Cumberland County.   “We’ve build strong relationships with local government agencies and community businesses 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, and hydration resources to survivors and first-responders, who are still active in their search-and-rescue efforts.   An indication of community commitment to their neighbors, the food being served this evening was donated by the local Subway.  

Hughes stated, “We plan to serve throughout the night and into tomorrow.   After that, we will reassess the needs and respond appropriately.”

The Salvation Army is actively communicating with Emergency Management groups at the local, county and state levels to determine who best to utilize and engage their Emergency Disaster Services resources.   Through years of joint efforts, strong working relationships have also been built with fellow non-profit disaster response agencies; which will also be part of the response matrix. 

“The wide-spread zone of impact for these storms makes appropriate response a challenge, but one we’re up to meeting,” Hughes said.

Mobile Feeding Kitchens—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.org 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.

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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.