Lakeland “Ready Together” training brings volunteers and resources together for improved disaster response
LAKELAND, Fla. (April 14, 2026) — Nearly 50 community members gathered at The Salvation Army in Lakeland, Fla. on April 10-11, 2026, for a two-day “Ready Together” training, an Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) event designed to prepare volunteers and neighborhoods to respond quickly and safely when disaster strikes.
“We always need trained volunteers who can help serve food, pass out supplies and offer a shoulder to lean on,” said Steven Hartsook, Director of EDS for The Salvation Army Florida Division. “This might sound simple, but there are food safety considerations and processes and procedures to learn before distributing meals to people, so training is imperative.”
Friday night: Preparedness and the canteen experience
Participants kicked off the weekend by learning practical steps to help keep families and neighbors safe before, during, and after a disaster. The evening also offered a firsthand look at Salvation Army EDS canteen operations, with dinner and beverages served from mobile feeding units (canteens).
To support realistic instruction, EDS teams staged more than a dozen canteens, vans and trucks from around the region, along with additional pieces of equipment, so participants could see how a response is set up and what it takes to safely serve meals, manage supplies, and care for neighbors in crisis.
Saturday: Volunteer response trainings
On Saturday, attendees chose half-day and full-day courses focused on Salvation Army disaster response roles, from food service and safety to disaster readiness. Trainings included lunch and were led by experienced EDS staff and instructors.
- Introduction to Emergency Disaster Services (half day)
- ServSafe (half day)
- Disaster Food Service and Canteen Operations (full day)
- HSI Adult First Aid CPR/AED (full day)
The Lakeland training marked one of five “Ready Together” events planned around Florida to strengthen local readiness and expand the pool of trained disaster volunteers. Earlier trainings in the series were held in Pensacola and Clay County, bringing together Salvation Army teams and community volunteers for practical instruction and fellowship to strengthen resilience and become “Ready Together.”
Community members who want to serve during hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies are encouraged to attend an upcoming Ready Together training at no charge. The remaining events are in Port Charlotte, June 12–13, 2026, and Palm Beach, June 19–20, 2026. Registration is still open.
