ATLANTA, GA (October 1, 2015) – The Salvation Army as a first responder in times of disaster is preparing its fleet of mobile kitchens (canteens) and local disaster teams for response. The Southern Territory has placed 37 canteens on alert -- 20 in North & South Carolina, 11 in National Capital & Virginia, and 6 in Maryland West Virginia.

Salvation Army Corps have been put on stand-by and many local units are already coordinating with local emergency management personnel. Emergency Disaster Services staff and local personnel are closely monitoring weather conditions as a complex system of storms, in addition to potential impact of Hurricane Joaquin, threaten many areas. With these storms heavy rainfall is a possibility, creating flooding in places that are already saturated from recent steady rain.

“At this point, all mobile feeding units and corps across the division are on alert as the potential for flooding is monitored and assessed,” Mike Patterson, Emergency Disaster Services Director for North and South Carolina.

“We are preparing for the possibility of flooding and power outages on Virginia’s coast, especially in the Tidewater area including Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.” Judith Hale, Emergency Disaster Services Director for Washington D.C and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“Our area of concentration is the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Maryland area, where resources are being channeled.” Major Mark Craddock, Divisional Secretary for Maryland and West Virginia.

The Salvation Army is collaborating with emergency management groups at local, county, and state levels to be prepared if relief efforts are necessary.