Winnipeg, MB – Official forecasts for this flood season is predicting moderate to major flooding along the Red, Souris and Assiniboine Rivers in the province of Manitoba.  In Saskatchewan there are similar warnings and forecasts for north of Saskatoon and the Moose Jaw/Regina areas.

“No matter the forecast, The Salvation Army is prepared, ready and able. We will be there to meet the need,” says Debbie Clarke, Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Director for Prairie East.

As part of the ramping up strategy for a front line response by The Salvation Army, training is underway to prepare Emergency Disaster Services volunteers.  April 12 – 13 saw 58 participants receive training in two courses from The Salvation Army Natural Disaster Training Program. Additional training will take place April 26 – 27 at Beaver Creek Camp, just 20 minutes south of Saskatoon, SK.

During the first courses participants were introduced to The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) and how it responds and mobilizes to meet the unique challenges of providing support and care during a natural disaster.  The second course covered training in emergency food services and safe food handling and delivery.  In addition to these two courses, the Saskatchewan training will also include training in Emotional and Spiritual Care.

“In these courses,” explains Clarke, “participants are trained how to quickly and efficiently respond to crisis during a natural disaster.  This training sets a standard that ensures Salvation Army volunteers are prepared to respond to an EDS event.”

During a response to a natural disaster or some other emergency crisis, The Salvation Army EDS team works closely with all levels of government.  In localized emergencies, this would typically involve just municipal government and resources.  As the scope of an emergency increases, this could also include provincial and federal governments and resources as well as other service agents.

The first step to initiating a response is notification of the emergency.  Typically, this notice comes from emergency first responders such as Fire and Paramedic Services, Police Services or government emergency measures offices.  In the event of an expected crisis, such as spring flooding, discussion and planning take place with all service and emergency providers well in advance.  These meetings help iron out logistics, identify needs and potential impact.  Depending on what is identified The Salvation Army mobilizes to address the needs it is able to meet.

For upcoming spring flooding concerns, The Salvation Army has stock piled supplies such as emergency kits containing personal care items, clothing and other necessities.  Logistical requirements have been reviewed and procedures put in place to quickly respond to flooding with food, clothing, emotional and spiritual care.

In Thompson, The Salvation Army has a Community Response Vehicle (CRV) on standby to address any event taking place in Northern Manitoba.  The Salvation Army also has two CRVs in the Winnipeg area that are on standby to respond to events in southern and central Manitoba.  In Saskatchewan, there are two CRVs prepared to meet needs that may arise from emergencies in that province.  As both Saskatchewan and Manitoba are part of the Prairie division, resources in both provinces are able to quickly and efficiently shared and tasked throughout the division.

If you would like to be a part of the front lines by making a donation or to volunteer with The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, please call (204) 975-1033 in Manitoba, (306) 757-3111 in Southern Saskatchewan, or (306) 244-9114 in Northern Saskatchewan to learn about how you can give hope today and make a difference in your community.

Through it all The Salvation Army continues to support all the victims as well as the volunteers helping with the clean-up.

In Estevan, upwards of 200 evacuees have been fed three times a day at the Community Leisure Centre since the weekend.

And in Weyburn, the Community Response Vehicle (CRV) from Regina has been parked at the local fire hall as the Salvation Army feeds and hydrates the many volunteers taking part in sand-bagging and clean-up efforts.

The Salvation Army would like to give the many outstanding volunteers a big round of applause for all of their hard work during these tense moments.  They are the heart beat of The Salvation Army.

If you’re interested in volunteering contact the local Salvation Army Units in Weyburn and/or Estevan.

Anyone wishing to financially support the efforts of The Salvation Army may do so online at www.salvationarmy.ca/floods2011 or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. 

Pictures of the flooding below:

As the need arises and as local citizens remain on high alert throughout Manitoba, The Salvation Army continues to give hope to people who are assisting in sandbagging efforts.

Since the outset, The Salvation Army’s Booth Centre in Winnipeg has been producing all of the warm meals and the Weetamah Church of Salvation Army and its many volunteers have been making the sandwiches.

Last thursday, the province of Manitoba called upon the Salvation Army once again to provide more meals and with only two hours of lead time, 53 volunteers were called and in place, producing more food to meet the need.

To date, The Salvation Army has served over 4000 sandwiches, over 500 hamburgers, 70 gallons of chili, 35 gallons of soup, 10 gallons of beef stew, provided more than 5000 cups of coffee, and more than 4500 bottles of water.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping us help others in their time of need.

 As the waters began to overflow the banks of the Red River just north of Winnipeg last night and into this morning, The Salvation Army responded by sending out one of the emergency response vehicles into the communities of St Andrews and St Clement. 

Without hesitation the unit was dispatched, stopped on route to pick up some sub sandwiches, donuts and coffee and immediately began to serve the local residents who were filling sandbags.

With the news later in the morning that the ice jam was freeing up, residents soon breathed a sigh of relief (for the time being), as the water levels decreased suddenly.

The Salvation Army has decided to keep both Winnipeg based response vehicles on high alert so that they can respond at a moments notice. 

If and/or when need arises, more Salvation Army response vehicles can be in place throughout Manitoba very quickly.

Be sure to check back each day for updated flood watch news.  

The Salvation Army – Giving Hope Today!

On Thursday, January 8^th, a state of emergency was declared in Chilliwack as a result of flooding due to snow melting, heavy rainfall and rising river levels. Up to 50 homes were affected by flooding in the Greendale area (Vancouver Sun).

for more information please go to

www.bc.salvationarmy.ca