PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Responds to Oklahoma Ice Storm
January 17, 2007 -Salvation Army emergency disaster personnel responded quickly after a powerful ice storm left a path of destruction across Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, leaving well over 100,000 households and businesses without power. With temperatures staying in the low teens and single digits, many persons are seeking shelter from the bitter cold and meals for their families.
Emergency disaster services vehicles (canteens) from Oklahoma and Arkansas were deployed to help with feeding and providing blankets, cots and water. Working with the American Red Cross, mobile feeding units are providing three meals per day for six shelters in Oklahoma, and two mobile units are operating in Arkansas. Additionally, meals are being provided for responders and emergency management personnel.
The Tulsa Center of Hope is providing meals three times a day for an American Red Cross shelter supporting displaced travelers until road conditions allow for safe travel. Additionally, a canteen is roaming outlying areas of Tulsa that are without power to provide food and water.
Since the heavy winter weather system first descended on the area Friday morning, 14 people have died on Oklahoma roads, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Approximately 230 others have been treated at Oklahoma hospitals for various injuries related to freezing weather conditions, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The Governor’s State of Emergency declaration for all of Oklahoma remains in effect.
Salvation Army personnel are working with state emergency management officials and other agencies to coordinate services and provide ongoing assistance to residents in both Arkansas and Oklahoma in need of ongoing aid due to the ice and flood conditions. Additional Salvation Army disaster personnel are on stand-by.
The Salvation Army is a leader in Christian faith based human services including disaster response throughout the globe. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks earmarked "Disaster Relief" may be sent to The Salvation Army at 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
