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29
The War Cry | AUGUST 2015
For more on our training programs log onto
the national disaster services web site at
(http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/index.php)
and click on the Training Section.
W
hile
each
disaster
is unique
and creates
its own
special needs, the core
of Emergency Disaster
Services in the Western
Territory is to meet basic
needs of food, hydration
and emotional support.
From there we expand
our services to provide
personal items, shelter,
case management and
assistance with short-
and long-term recovery
plans. Typically there are
more disaster relief needs
than any one agency can
handle, so we work closely
with partner organizations
and local, state and federal
government agencies.
Nationally, all of our
disaster workers are
enrolled in training
programs that cover
everything from Disaster
Food Services and Handling
to Emotional and Spiritual
Care. Training sessions take
place regularly throughout
the territory. We maintain
a fleet of disaster response
vehicles consisting of
everything from full
service mobile kitchens,
support vehicles and
communication vehicles.
Several warehouses are
pre-stocked with disaster
response supplies. All
Army facilities, including
camps, are available for
use in support of major
disasters. Personnel
and trucks at Adult
Rehabilitation Centers are
also available to respond,
making for one of the
largest fleets of transport
vehicles in the west.
We are building
an expanded
communications unit
that consists of satellite,
cell phones and Internet
access. SATERN steps
up when all other forms
of communications fail
and allow each of our 10
divisions communicate
with each other and
territorial headquarters.
These services
follow extensive case
management customized
to each person or family
and involving elaborate
coordination with other
agencies. The Army is
one of only a handful
of agencies to remain
engaged with affected
communities throughout
the entire disaster event.
Southern Territory
Resources at a Glance:
6,200
Trained Volunteers
98
mobile kitchens,
each sized and typed
in accordance with
federal guidelines
150,000
meal capacity, with
mobile units able to
cook and provide 750
to 3000 meals twice a
day without
resupplying
1
communications truck
for satellite and ham
radio communications,
Internet connectivity
and hot spot service for
first responders.
135,000
sq. ft
disaster supply
warehouse space
13
camps with a bed capacity
of more than 5,000
West
Ken Cavallero
W
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7/15/15 4:53 PM