The Salvation Army of Florida’s EDS Response for Hurricane Ian’s Impact

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Catastrophic landfall conditions make community support vital

Tampa, Florida (September 28, 2022) — The Salvation Army of Florida, Emergency Disaster Services Department has prepared resources and personnel to meet the immediate needs of survivors and first responders before, during and after Hurricane Ian’s catastrophic landfall in Florida. Ian comes just days after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico, where The Salvation Army is still serving survivors and responders.

Hurricane Ian made landfall as a Category 4 storm Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, on the west coast of Florida, near Port Charlotte. Hurricane Ian follows a similar path as Hurricane Charlie in 2004. While Charlie was a smaller sized storm and moved much quicker across the state, Ian has been slowly moving which will cause much more significant damages. The impacts will likely be worse than Hurricane Irma in 2017, which affected some of these same communities.

Recovery efforts will take years and The Salvation Army is positioned to respond to widespread needs as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“It is honor to be called upon to serve others in times of disaster. Through the service of The Salvation Army, we seek to show the there is hope, even in the storm.” said Captain Stephan Wildish, Operations Canteen Coordinator. “We are activated and prepared to go to where the storm hits the hardest, to meet the needs of disaster survivors in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.”

Ian Prep/Initial Response:

  • The Salvation Army has mobile feeding units (Canteens) ready to respond, with 27 already in Florida, stationed across the state.
    • Each mobile feeding unit can feed approximately 1,500 meals per day.
  • The Salvation Army has been feeding at evacuation shelters in many communities across the state and will continue as needed.
  • Emergency Disaster Services warehouses in Tampa, Florida, and McDonough, Georgia are prepped with food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and other items that will be distributed to those in need in the coming days and weeks.

The Salvation Army disaster personnel collaborate with emergency management agencies and partner agencies and organizations, as it will take the efforts of many to meet the needs of disaster survivors impacted by Hurricane Ian.

 

For more information on The Salvation Army’s continued response, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

 

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane relief efforts:

  • Donate online: www.HelpSalvationArmy.org.
  • Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
  • Text-To-Donate: Text STORM to 51555 to donate to help disaster relief efforts.
  • Current media releases, updates, and information – www.disaster.salvationarm.org
One hundred percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.

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 About The Salvation Army USA:
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

 

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