You are in: Latest News » SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO DEADLY TORNADO UPDATE #...
Released 11 February 2009
ARDMORE (February 11, 2009) - The Ardmore,
Oklahoma Salvation Army is responding to a deadly tornado that hit Lone Grove,
Oklahoma. Lone Grove is located just seven miles west of Ardmore. It is a
small, close-knit town of approximately 4,000.
Search and rescue efforts began yesterday evening immediately following the
storm; however, they were suspended until daylight due to darkness.
House-to-house search and rescue efforts resumed at daylight. The fatality
count is currently at eight and is expected to grow. The trailer of a friend
of the Ardmore Corps is gone and he is reportedly missing at this time. He
attends Bible study on Saturdays at the Corps.
The tornado made a direct hit on a trailer park with approximately 60 mobile
homes, as well as damaging multiple homes and businesses. It is just being
reported that a housing addition north of Lone Gove was hit and approximately
30 - 35 homes are damaged or destroyed.
The Ardmore mobile feeding unit (canteen) served responders and others
throughout the night. Over 2,000 meals were provided along with multiple
drinks and snacks. Responders continue to come through for a hot drink or
bottle of water, as well as grabbing snacks on the go.
An additional canteen from Enid, Oklahoma has been deployed to Lone Grove.
Major James Taylor reports two canteens are en route from Sherman and Wichita
Falls, Texas to help with the relief efforts in Lone Grove. Currently, the
Ardmore canteen is in a fixed location at the Lone Gove High School, 6218
Meridian Road. As soon as the additional canteens arrive, roaming will begin
to help serve those working in the field and unable to leave for hours at a
time.
Captain Ernie Hull, Ardmore Corps Officer, and Alton Gardner,
Arkansas-Oklahoma Division Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Director, are
working closely with Carter County Emergency Management. Additionally,
divisional EDS staff are closely communicating with the Oklahoma Emergency
Management as well as other partners involved in disaster services.
Perkins, Oklahoma: The Kiwanis / Salvation Army canteen was deployed on
Tuesday evening to Perkins, Oklahoma from the Stillwater Corps to provide
drinks and snacks to approximately 2,000 electric customers without power.
Power is now restored.
Financial donations are needed to support relief efforts. The Salvation
Army asks those who want to help the individual and families affected by the
February 10 tornadoes to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY
and designate AOK Division February tornadoes. Monetary donations will ensure
The Salvation Army can meet the most immediate needs of those impacted by the
storm.
# # #
About the Salvation Army:
The Salvation
Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been
supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly
33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year
through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food
for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled,
outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and
opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar
raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities
nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
CONTACT:
Cindy Fuller, The Salvation Army, Arkansas/Oklahoma
Divisional Marketing and Public Relations Director
Office: (405)254-1156
Cell: (405)830-6549 Fax: (405)254-1000
E-mail: Cindy_Fuller@uss.salvationarmy.org