Wilmington, NC – A new partnership between The Salvation Army and US Fleet Tracking is enhancing service delivery for those impacted by Hurricane Florence, including those in the Cape Fear region of North Carolina, through live GPS tracking and vehicle monitoring.
“It was especially helpful at the beginning of our response in Wilmington and its surrounding counties because so many roads were closed from flooding and downed trees,” says Alvin Migues with The Salvation Army. “Because of the tracking devices, we could see exactly where our teams were and re-route them safely to reach people who needed our help.”
The tracking devices are placed on Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services vehicles and equipment, including mobile feeding units, personnel sleeping units, generators, and off-road utility vehicles.
The devices not only help get teams to the areas of greatest need safely, they are also used to produce the most up-to-date information on service locations and provide situational awareness for The Salvation Army’s partners in emergency management.
“To see how US Fleet Tracking plays a role in helping The Salvation Army coordinate and provide relief efforts is both exhilarating and humbling,” says Sam Sims, Director of PR & Marketing for US Fleet Tracking. “Each situation and its effects will be different, which is why live location and tracking information is critical for The Salvation Army’s deployment of resources. Having the knowledge of assets’ positions is yet another logistics puzzle piece that is easier to coordinate and position in the most-needed locations.”
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services will continue to explore how live GPS tracking can expand the level of care and service provided during future disaster response.
For more information, visit SalArmyEDS.org.
How to Help:
The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors as the situation continues to be assessed.
Online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org
Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY
To receive a donation link via text: Text STORM to 51555
