• Heather MacFarlane

The Salvation Army Prepares for Hurricane Season: Emergency Disaster Services ready for “above-average” year

Canton, MA - Hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and The Salvation Army Emergency Disasters Services (EDS) is preparing for what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts could be another above-average Atlantic hurricane season. Regional EDS teams in Massachusetts and Southern New England are ready to respond with immediate feeding, hydration, and other key resources utilizing response feeding vehicles (canteens) and have been provided instruction in COVID service guidelines during operations and distributions.

“Our trained volunteers and staff are ready to respond locally as well as deploy to areas in the south, if needed,” said Chris Farrand, Regional Director of Emergency Disaster Services, The Salvation Army Massachusetts and Southern New England Divisions. “Every EDS team is well-prepared to apply CDC pandemic procedures in the event of a hurricane response as a result of our local operations teams being in disaster response mode since the pandemic began.”

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is in continuing conversations and planning with local, state, and federal Emergency Management and is also prepared to stage assets and resources in locations near potential impact zones that can increase the speed and efficiency of mobilization. 

With more people now vaccinated, Farrand says EDS teams are “focusing on hurricane preparedness and response exercises.”

Salvation Army locations throughout the Commonwealth are available to prepare individual meals as well as provide support with bulk/shelf stable food product. This will enable The Salvation Army to support multiple housing and feeding options. Salvation Army locations are also preparing to support with emergency assistance needs such as clothing, hygiene kits, and clean-up kits as needed.

The Salvation Army is invested and committed to helping those affected in all phases of the disaster including preparedness, response, and recovery. Trained Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) providers can deploy and/or provide remote crisis support to survivors and first responders.

To learn more about the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service and how to volunteer visit: https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org. For more detailed information on hurricane preparedness, including COVID-19 specific information, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.