ATLANTA, GA (October 9, 2026) — With Hurricane Isaias expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast tonight or early Saturday, The Salvation Army of Georgia is preparing its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel and vehicles for potential deployment as communities across the Southeast brace for the storm’s impact.
As standard operating procedure, The Salvation Army of Georgia has 21 EDS vehicles strategically positioned throughout the state to support disaster response. EDS personnel are preparing equipment, reviewing deployment readiness, and coordinating efforts with GEMA/HS, Georgia VOAD, the National Weather Service, and other emergency management and disaster response partners to help ensure resources can be mobilized quickly as needs emerge.
“Our priority is to be prepared and ready to respond wherever the need is greatest,” said Lanita Lloyd, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “We are preparing our personnel and vehicles now so that, if and when communities need assistance, we can act quickly and provide practical help to people facing the effects of this storm.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for all 159 counties on October 8, enabling emergency management teams to make necessary arrangements and position resources ahead of potential impacts. The Salvation Army of Georgia is preparing in coordination with state and federal agencies and other emergency response partners as plans develop.
Although Isaias is forecast to make landfall along the Gulf Coast, its effects could extend well beyond the immediate coastal area. Forecasts indicate the potential for heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes across portions of the Southeast, including Georgia. The Salvation Army is monitoring conditions and maintaining communication with emergency management partners to assess where assistance may be needed.
The organization is preparing to respond within Georgia and stands ready to assist Salvation Army disaster response operations in other affected states if additional support is requested. Following landfall, EDS leadership will evaluate storm impacts, emerging community needs and requests for assistance to determine the appropriate deployment of personnel, vehicles and supplies.
“Disaster response is about more than having equipment ready to go. It is about being prepared to serve people who may suddenly find themselves without basic necessities or facing significant hardship,” Lloyd said. “The generosity of our donors and the dedication of our disaster services teams help make that response possible. We encourage people to support this work now, before the full extent of the storm’s impact is known.”
How You Can Help Before the Storm Hits
The Salvation Army of Georgia encourages individuals, businesses, churches and community partners to support disaster response efforts before needs escalate. Financial gifts made in advance help provide the flexibility necessary to respond quickly as conditions change and priorities become clear.
Donations help support disaster response operations, including mobile feeding, hydration, emergency supplies and assistance for individuals and families affected by severe weather and other emergencies.
There are two convenient ways to give:
- Donate Online: helpsalvationarmy.org
- Donate by Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
Financial contributions allow The Salvation Army to direct resources where they are needed most, whether responding to communities across Georgia or assisting neighboring states affected by the storm.
As Hurricane Isaias approaches landfall, The Salvation Army of Georgia will continue to monitor the situation, coordinate with emergency management partners, and prepare to respond as needs are identified. Residents are encouraged to follow official weather alerts, heed instructions from local authorities, and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families. For more information about The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services and its disaster response work, visit SalArmyEDS.org
