PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Continues Serving After Oklahoma,
Arkansas and Kentucky Ice Storms
February 3, 2009 – The Salvation Army is continuing to meet the needs of storm victims in many communities throughout Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky.
Hundreds of utility workers are trying to restore power to more than 157,000 residences and businesses still without electricity in Arkansas after last week’s severe ice storms left accumulations of one to three inches of ice. Approximately 90 cities and counties in Arkansas are under boil-water orders because many water treatment plants are still without power. In Oklahoma, it’s estimated less than 3,000 homes and businesses remain without power due to the ice storms.
The Salvation Army is assisting with shelters and feeding centers and working in partnership with churches, agencies, community organizations and government facilities. The Salvation Army is doing everything it can at this time to reach every area possible. Salvation Army EDS teams and canteens are known to be serving in areas from which no reports have been received yet due to power outages.
As of Sunday in northwest Arkansas, 8,567 meals, 19,255 beverages and 10,046 snacks have been served. More than 800 people have been sheltered. Additionally, blankets, comfort kits and infant supplies have been provided to those affected by the storm. Approximately 1,000 meals, two times a day, are expected to be served until further notice. Over 6,000 hours have logged by officers, employees, and volunteers, and nearly 700 individuals have received emotional and spiritual care.
In the Mountain Home area of Arkansas, more than 7,500 meals, 9,000 drinks and 4,000 snacks have been served. Hundreds of comfort kits, infant supplies, cases of water and blankets have been provided, and 180 people sheltered. Emergency services are expected to continue for some time. The Salvation Army of Jonesboro is serving multiple small communities providing approximately 350–400 meals a day, lodging in nine shelters and food boxes.
In Oklahoma, The Salvation Army distributed 22 pallets of water in Adair County, while in Stillwell, food boxes were provided to several families plus lodging for a person on dialysis. In Harrison, more than 4,000 pounds of food have been distributed to 107 families (176 adults, 75 children).
The Salvation Army continues to work in partnership with other relief agencies, community groups and emergency management offices to ensure the needs of the thousands impacted by the ice storms are met.
The Salvation Army has deployed mobile feeding units (canteens) and emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel to regions of Kentucky hit most severely by snow and ice. So far 22 counties are being assisted; more may have been affected as reports slowly come in due to power failures and communication interruptions. Fresh water is also lacking due to the loss of electricity. Salvation Army personnel continue to work with state emergency management officials and other agencies to coordinate services and provide ongoing assistance.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
