Trained teams, mobile resources and essential supplies are positioned to assist survivors as Hurricane Isaias passes and conditions are safe
As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Florida Panhandle, The Salvation Army has rallied support throughout the state to stand beside communities in the storm’s path. Long before the skies clear, trained disaster personnel will be in motion, coordinating resources, positioning mobile units and preparing essential supplies so help can move quickly once local officials determine that travel and service are safe.
“The Salvation Army is actively preparing for Hurricane Isaias and stands ready to respond wherever needs emerge,” said Steven Hartsook, director of emergency disaster services for The Salvation Army Florida Division. “Our focus is on ensuring trained personnel and resources are in place so we can provide practical assistance and compassionate care before, during and after the storm.”
Mobile feeding units and personnel are staging in north central Florida, ready to deploy when conditions are safe. Additional mobile feeding units across Florida are on standby for deployment.
The Florida Emergency Disaster Services team is also mobilizing feeding supplies and response resources to support activation of a Florida Baptist Disaster Relief kitchen. Before landfall, the team transported 7,200 shelf-stable breakfast and lunch meal kits, two pallets of water (8,000 bottles of water) and other supplies for Panhandle corps to access. An additional 7,200 shelf-stable meals and two more pallets of water will be delivered to the staged canteens and delivered to impacted locations.
In Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City, local Salvation Army corps are making their own preparations to serve neighbors ahead of the storm and as soon as it is safe afterward. Their local knowledge, strengthened by coordinated statewide support, will help direct food, hydration, emotional and spiritual care, and other emergency assistance to affected communities. The Ft. Walton Beach Corps already coordinated with a local shelter to provide meals to those seeking safety there.
For families waiting and watching, the hours surrounding a hurricane can be filled with uncertainty. The Salvation Army’s message is simple: you will not face recovery alone. When the storm has passed and the way is clear, compassionate, trained teams will be ready to meet survivors with practical help, a listening ear and the assurance that hope remains present even after the strongest winds subside.
For those willing to send help, financial contributions help The Salvation Army respond to immediate needs and support disaster recovery as those needs become clearer.
To give, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
