• Hurricane Milton response
The Salvation Army is preparing for a significant response to what could be a historic and devastating impact on Florida’s west coast from Hurricane Milton.
After days of preparation, the plans have been made, equipment and personnel are in place and teams are ready to respond in the aftermath of the storm.
As the hurricane begins to lash western Florida, ahead of its expected landfall in Tampa Bay, the expectations are for a severe storm surge, wind damage, flooding and tornadoes. The National Weather Service warns it could be among the most destructive hurricanes ever for west-central Florida.
“This is an anxious time for us now because there is nothing more we can do but wait,” says Steven Hartsook, The Salvation Army’s Florida Emergency Disaster Services Director.
“We have prepared the best we can, and we know the situation is fluid, so we will need to be able to adjust the plan if needed once it is safe to respond.”
Salvation Army teams will be on the ground with meals and support as soon as it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, support continues for those impacted by last week’s Hurricane Helene. Yesterday, a Salvation Army Rapid Response Unit made its way into Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, North Carolina, marking the arrival of the first relief organisation in the area since Helene’s devastating impact.
Once in town, the team quickly mobilised to deliver essential food, supplies and emotional support to the community. As they navigated the damaged streets, they witnessed the full extent of the destruction – collapsed buildings, uprooted trees and a community grappling with shock.
