The Salvation Army Mobilizes Emergency Response Team Ahead Hurricane Helene
The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command Mobilizes Emergency Disaster Staff and Rapid Response Vehicles Ahead of Tropical Storm Helene
[ORLANDO, FL] (September 25, 2024)— The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command is mobilizing its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team to Lakeland, Florida, positioning staff and resources ahead of Tropical Storm Helene’s anticipated landfall. Lakeland will serve as a central location for the team to safely ride out the storm and immediately begin assessing the needs of the most impacted communities. Once the level of need is determined, teams will be deployed to the hardest-hit areas, equipped with canteens and rapid response units that can serve thousands of hot meals daily.
“Our commitment to doing the most good does not end with providing meals, clothing, financial assistance, and spiritual care to our most vulnerable, but we love beyond disasters and show up in the midst of them,” said Major Ken Chapman, Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “We remain ready to serve whenever and wherever the need arises,” he continued.
Gene Daniels, Director of Operations for The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command who has witnessed some of the most monumental crises to date and serves as Logistics Support on the Emergency Incident Command Team shared his thoughts on the mission ahead.
“At this point, we are not certain what the aftermath could be, but we’re prepared to meet the challenge head-on and do whatever we can to help these communities recover.” As part of one of the largest disaster relief organizations, The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command’s Emergency Disaster team plays a crucial role in disaster response and remains ready to offer hope during difficult times.
To learn more about The Salvation Army, visit SalvationArmyOrlando.org or download The Salvation Army’s free mobile app “TSA Orlando”, available in your Apple or Google Play stores.
