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Salvation Army Preparing for Twin Storms on Gulf Coast

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JACKSON, MS (August 23, 2020) –As Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura are simultaneously making their way toward the Gulf Coast—an unusual scenario, with 2 tropical storm systems predicted to make landfall in very close proximity to one another in a very close timeframe— The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is monitoring the situation closely and preparing to respond. Currently, there are a total of 10 mobile feeding units on standby and ready to serve as needed throughout Louisiana and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Marco has been upgraded to hurricane status and is expected to make landfall near the New Orleans area on Monday. Laura is currently expected to continue to track westward and make landfall along the western coast of Louisiana on Wednesday.

“The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans is preparing for this unprecedented storm system as two hurricanes are scheduled to affect our area a few days apart,” said Major Christopher Thornhill, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans.

Unfortunately, New Orleans is no stranger to hurricanes. In less than a week the area will commemorate the 15th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Since 2005, there has been much healing and preparation for New Orleans. Thornhill further stated, “We know there are no surprises in God’s economy and with the uncertainty of what will happen, we stand ready to serve by making the necessary preparations with staging emergency service vehicles as well as working with local authorities on mass shelter needs.”

For the latest emergency disaster services news from The Salvation Army, follow the social feed on Twitter at @salarmyeds or visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

The Salvation Army Grateful & Remaining Diligent as Gordon Passes

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Jackson, MS—The Salvation Army is grateful that the Gulf Coast was spared major damage from Tropical Storm Gordon, which made landfall last night with wind speeds of 70mph just west of the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast border. The Salvation Army’s Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi (ALM) Division is continuing to diligently monitor conditions as the system, which is now classified as a Tropical Depression, makes its way through the area. “The National Hurricane Center reports there is still a possibility of some flash flooding and sporadic tornado activity throughout the day, specifically in Alabama. Therefore, we still want to remain weather aware and ready to serve as needed,” said Terry Lightheart, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army ALM Division.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the U.S. More than 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). The Salvation Army has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900. The Salvation Army does not place an administrative fee on disaster donations. During emergency disasters, 100 percent of designated gifts are used to support specific relief efforts. For more information, go to www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.

ALM Prepares for Tropical Storm Gordon

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JACKSON, MS  – With Tropical Storm Gordon moving into the Gulf of Mexico, a Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for Coastal Mississippi and the New Orleans Area. The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi (ALM) is preparing for the severe weather that Gordon might bring. Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army ALM Division, Terry Lightheart, reports that Divisional Emergency Disaster Services personnel and local Salvation Army representatives in the potentially affected areas are participating in weather briefings with state and local partners.

“Coordination with our local and state partners is vital to our preparedness measures. Especially since it appears that Gordon is expected to produce heavy rainfall of 4-6 inches across the coastal areas of Alabama, southern Mississippi and Louisiana, with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches through early Thursday,” said Lightheart. The National Hurricane Center is predicting that these rainfall amounts may cause flash flooding.  There is also the potential of flooding due to storm surge. “Although there is still some uncertainty with this system, out of precaution, all 31 Salvation Army Corps and 18 Service Extension Centers located within the ALM Division are on standby for potential activation. This includes 28 mobile feeding units,” Lightheart said.

Major Ernest Hull, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans said, “The New Orleans Command is preparing to accept the homeless population into our Center of Hope. As per our agreement with the city of New Orleans we will work to get the homeless off the streets and into shelter. Our canteens stand ready to be deployed if needed.”

On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, The Salvation Army’s Pascagoula Canteen, Disaster Truck, and MS Gulf Coast Canteen are all prepared and ready to respond as needed. Major Anita Caldwell, Area Commander for the MS Gulf Coast Salvation Army said, “We have 120 clean-up kits and around 200 survival backpacks.” The MS Gulf Coast Area Command is also prepared to serve as a shelter if needed and they have plans in place for disaster storage and staging for supplies.

The Salvation Army is working with state emergency officials monitoring Tropical Storm Gordon as it moves closer to the coast. The Salvation Army is prepared to provide food, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care to communities affected by the storm in the coming days.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts, go to helpsalvationarmy.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the U.S. More than 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). The Salvation Army has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900. The Salvation Army does not place an administrative fee on disaster donations. During emergency disasters, 100 percent of designated gifts are used to support specific relief efforts. For more information, go to www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.

The Salvation Army moves equipment to higher ground, Sunday services cancelled along the Gulf Coast

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Jackson, MS – As Tropical Storm Nate moves into the Gulf of Mexico, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is ready should their help be needed. Coastal locations in Mobile and Dothan, Alabama, Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi, and in New Orleans have their equipment in safe locations, plus all have cancelled Sunday services for this weekend.

“Water and food is ready to go,” said Major Tom Richmond, Coastal Alabama Command located in Mobile. “So are our personnel if we are called to respond.”

Sunday school classes and services will not be held in order to keep everyone safe and off the roads with Nate predicted to make landfall early Sunday morning. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Command will close its Family Stores and the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center this weekend in Biloxi.

“A lot of our employees and residents are more sensitive to these storms when they head our way having lived through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, so we just think it’s better they stay home and prepare for Nate,” said Major Gary Sturdivant, Mississippi Gulf Coast Command.

The Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi has 25 mobile feeding vehicles ready to roll each with the capability to feed one thousand meals per day.

“All personnel and equipment have been recalled from Texas and Florida to make sure this three state Division is taken care of,” said Terry Lightheart, Emergency/Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “We are tired from serving after Harvey and Irma, but we know the Lord give us strength to meet needs wherever it may be.

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail Checks to:

The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate “Hurricane 2017” on all checks.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555

The Salvation Army alerts all units to standby with strengthening, predicted track of Nate

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Jackson, MS – As tropical depression 16 strengthened into Tropical Storm Nate Thursday, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is placing all units within the three-state division on standby. Officials have also recalled equipment and personnel from disaster assignments in other states as Nate is forecast to make landfall Sunday.

“Our officers, staff, volunteers, and equipment have served residents in other areas with live and kindness in their time of need,” said Terry Lightheart, Emergency/Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “Now with Nate, we need them.

Nate is the third storm to impact the Southeast in the last two months following Harvey and Irma. Local Salvation Army Commands and Corps are prepping for response should the need arise by contacting local and county emergency officials and stocking mobile feeding units or canteens with meals, water, and snacks.

“We are ready for whatever Nate may bring,” said Major Gary Sturdivant, Mississippi Gulf Coast Command. “I spoke with local officials, and they know we are ready to serve food and drinks, plus provide emotional and spiritual care to those who may be affected.”

Even with several officers, staff and volunteers having previously served in Texas and Florida, teams and equipment are ready to move in once the storm moves through.

“As a precaution, we are moving our equipment to higher ground, so we are prepared if needed,” said Major Ernest Hull, New Orleans command. “The last few weeks were extremely busy, but our job is serve where we are needed the most. If there is damage or flooding, The Salvation Army will be there to help.”

How People Can Help

The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Online: helpsalvationarmy.org

Donate By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Mail Checks to:

The Salvation Army PO Box 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301

Please designate “Hurricane Harvey” on all checks.

Text to Give: STORM to 51555

The Salvation Army ready if needed with tropical storm heading for the Gulf Coast

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JACKSON, MS (June 20, 2017) – The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi is preparing for the potential impact of Invest 93L along the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) of The Salvation Army has asked all 31 Corps and sixteen service centers across the three-state area to ready equipment and disaster personnel for deployment should the need arise.
“The first priority for The Salvation Army is to ensure its Officers, staff and volunteers are safe and that the facilities and equipment are secure,” said Terry Lightheart, EDS Director, The Salvation Army of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. “However, we are also ready to respond and provide support to those who will potentially be impacted from this storm.
The Salvation Army is working closely with state and local emergency management to monitor where the storm could possibly have the greatest impact. This also helps coordinate where to send out personnel and equipment, such mobile feeding units which provide hot meals, hydration and snacks.
Lightheart continued, “Regardless of where the impact my be, we will be ready to serve with helping hands and a willing heart.”

To keep up to date on all The Salvation Army is doing to help those in need and to donate to help us serve those in need, you can log onto our website at salvationarmyalm.org or on social media at facebook.com/ALMdivision and twitter.com/salarmyalm