The Salvation Army
Emergency Disaster Services

Did you know . . .

For over 115 years, The Salvation Army has been providing Emergency Disaster Services around the world. We are passionate about our work supporting first responders and those affected by disasters such as fire, earthquake, flooding and other crises.

We give rest to the weary.

While every disaster is unique, the core of our disaster program consists of several basic services. And while these services address many of the typical needs of a disaster survivor, Salvation Army disaster relief is also flexible. Our services are adapted to the specific needs of individuals and communities, and are scalable according to the magnitude of the disaster.

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The Salvation Army helps meet the needs of disaster survivors through a variety of programs.

Emergency Preparedness

As one of the nation's major emergency relief organizations, The Salvation Army recognizes the critical importance of being prepared for natural and manmade disasters. Therefore, we take steps to ensure our own ability to respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster, while also working to educate other disaster professionals and the public at large about how to prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

Immediate Emergency Response

Emergency response services are activated on short notice according to an agreed-upon notification procedure coordinated with federal, state and local governments. Typically, Salvation Army personnel and resources will congregate at predetermined staging areas, entering the impacted area only once government first-responders have indicated that it is safe and constructive to do so. These immediate response activities include food and hydration services, shelter, cleanup and emergency communication assistance to put victims in touch with their loved ones.

Long-Term Disaster Recovery

Depending on the magnitude of the disaster, The Salvation Army may continue providing immediate response services, such as emergency shelter and food service, well into the recovery process. Additionally, The Salvation Army will often coordinate with local, state and federal entities to develop and execute long-term strategic disaster recovery plans. These activities include restoration and rebuilding initiatives, disaster social services (to address essential living needs, medical expenses or funeral costs) and in-kind donation distribution to disaster victims.

Spiritual and Emotional Care

Throughout the duration and aftermath of a major disaster, The Salvation Army provides spiritual comfort and emotional support upon request to victims and emergency workers coping with the stress of a catastrophe. Salvation Army counselors, who are often ordained as clergy (officers), may simply offer a "ministry of presence," but often people who know about The Salvation Army as representatives of God may ask for prayer or help from the Bible. Disaster relief and recovery services are provided to all in need without discrimination.

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Are You Prepared?

We know the importance of preparation for disaster. Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy to carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you easily in case you must evacuate.

• Make a plan with your family. Plan how to communicate after an event, and where to meet if home is not an option
• Practice your plan with the family
• Maintain your home emergency kit
   

Maintain Your Kit

• Build your kits into transportable packs (such as backpacks)
• Keep perishables at top of kit for easy replacement
• Schedule on your calendar (phone or computer) the rotation of your perishables
• Open and review your kit with adult family members once a year

Contents of Your Kit

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy to prepare items (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
• Cash (small bills in addition to 20’s)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio recommended)
• Camping stove with fuel
• Extra batteries
• First-Aid kit
• Medications (7 day supply) and medical items
• Multi-Purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc)
• Cell phone with chargers (battery-powered auxiliary batteries are great!)
• Family and emergency contact information
• Emergency blankets and/or sleeping bags

Download your disaster preparedness checklist. You can easily save and print this checklist. Use it to create your emergency kit, and you'll rest easy knowing that you and your family will ready when a disaster occurs.