CONNECTICUT – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) is preparing as a part of its recurring initiatives in Southern New England. Regional EDS teams in Connecticut are prepared to respond with immediate feeding, hydration, and other key resources utilizing response feeding vehicles (canteens) and have been provided instruction in COVID service guidelines during operations and distributions.
“All of our local operations have been in disaster response mode since the pandemic began last year,” said Major Debra Ashcraft, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Southern New England Division. “As we continue to serve our neighbors, we are also preparing our teams to be ready if storms should come our way. We certainly pray for peace and safety.”
Salvation Army locations throughout Connecticut are available to prepare individual meals as well as support with bulk/shelf stable food product. This will enable The Salvation Army to support multiple housing and feeding options. Salvation Army locations are also preparing to support with emergency assistance needs such as clothing, hygiene kits, and clean-up kits as needed.
“We are continuing to prepare our trained Disaster Response Teams,” said Chris Farrand, Regional Director of Emergency Disaster Services for The Salvation Army’s Southern New England and Massachusetts Divisions. “We are ready to respond locally as well as deploy to areas in the south, if needed. Our EDS teams are also well-prepared to apply CDC pandemic procedures in the event of a hurricane response.”
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is continuing in conversation and planning with local, state and federal Emergency Management and is also prepared to stage assets and resources in locations near potential impact zones that can increase the speed and efficiency of mobilization.
The Salvation Army is invested and committed to helping those affected in all phases of the disaster including preparedness, response, and recovery. Trained Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) providers can deploy and/or provide remote crisis support to survivors and first responders.
Volunteer opportunities:
Katie Perrett
Volunteer Coordinator for The Salvation Army Southern New England Division.
Kathryn.Perrett@use.salvationarmy.org
860-702-0042
For more detailed information on hurricane preparedness, including COVID-19 specific information, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 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 abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.
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