The Salvation Army of Georgia activated feeding and hydration service to emergency disaster personnel and evacuees in coastal Georgia areas and around the state as Hurricane Dorian slowly churned northward just off the Florida coast. It is anticipated Hurricane Dorian will stay just off the Florida and Georgia coasts, but a small deviation inland could make a huge difference.

“The coastal areas of Georgia may be strongly impacted by Dorian’s intense winds and tidal surge,” says Lanita Lloyd, Director of Emergence Disaster Services for The Salvation Army of Georgia. “We continue to assess and evaluate the situation to ensure The Salvation Army are there for people in their time of need.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued an Executive Order for a mandatory evacuation for Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh counties and for a westerly traffic contraflow on Georgia I-16 to aid in the evacuation process. Many of these evacuees will need meals and drinks and the Salvation Army is ensuring they will be there for them to provide aid and comfort.

“The Salvation Army is currently supporting emergency disaster personnel, evacuees, and shelters across the state of Georgia with feeding and hydration services.” says Captain Jason Smith, Georgia Incident Commander. “In addition, every Salvation Army canteen in Georgia will be on alert and ready for deployment to help when and where needed.”

The Salvation Army has 18 canteens (mobile feeding units) positioned across Georgia, each capable of serving 500-1,500 meals per day and ready to deploy. The Salvation Army locations currently feeding emergency service personnel and evacuees and the anticipated number of people served include: Savannah – 2,000, Augusta – 1,200, Macon - 1,200, Columbus – 850, and Waycross – 250.

The Salvation Army of Georgia Hurricane Dorian Incident Management Team, currently located in Atlanta, GA, is in constant communication with state and local officials to coordinate efforts and respond effectively as needed to help those in the most severely affected areas.

The best way to help survivors and relief workers in a disaster is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow disaster responders to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors. Donate online at www.HelpSalvationArmy.org or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or by mail at The Salvation Army, PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301. Please designate ‘2019 Hurricane – Dorian’ on all checks.