Emergency disaster professionals prepare to meet the immediate and long-term needs of impacted communities across the Gulf Coast

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams are preparing to respond as Hurricane Isaias, currently a Category 3 hurricane, approaches the northern Gulf Coast with landfall expected overnight Friday, October 9. In anticipation of potentially severe impacts, including flooding and widespread power outages, trained disaster personnel and mobile feeding units are ready to deploy to affected communities and provide critical support.

"As Hurricane Isaias approaches, The Salvation Army stands prepared to respond quickly and provide essential relief to those affected by the storm," said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. "Our emergency disaster professionals are focused on readiness and coordinating with local partners to ensure we deliver critical support where it is needed most."

The Salvation Army's preparations include:

• Planning to deploy mobile canteen units to Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama. Additional units are on standby to serve other impacted areas as needed.
• Coordinating with partners, including Send Relief, Midwest Food Bank, and Walmart, to gather essential supplies including meals, snacks, cases of water, cleanup kits, and hygiene kits.

The Salvation Army is working with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies to adapt its response efforts as conditions evolve. While Isaias is forecasted to make landfall along the Gulf Coast, impacts including heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes could extend inland and affect other parts of the Southeast.

"Our teams are mobilizing to provide meals, water, and emotional and spiritual care to communities affected by Hurricane Isaias," said Jeff Jellets, EDS director for The Salvation Army's Southern Territory. "We recognize the significant challenges hurricanes create for individuals and families, and we are prepared to provide support for as long as it is needed."

How to help The Salvation Army:
The best way to support The Salvation Army's Hurricane Isaias relief efforts is through a financial contribution, which allows trained disaster response professionals to address immediate needs and support longer-term recovery. Donations can be made through the following convenient methods:

• Donate online: helpsalvationarmy.org 
• Donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)
• Donate by mail: The Salvation Army, Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 3408, Atlanta, GA 30302

A media kit with photos and additional resources is available here. 

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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helped more than 28 million people in 2025 overcome poverty, substance abuse, and spiritual and economic hardships through a range of social services by providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, shelter for the homeless, and rehabilitation services for people in need. The Salvation Army serves nearly 7,600 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army