LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services teams in both Tennessee and Kentucky are preparing to respond to the heavy winds and strong rain produced by Hurricane Helene.

Trucks are deployed with trained disaster workers ready to give a helping hand to people in need in the two states mentioned above, while also sending resources to Florida and Georgia.

Divisional Emergency Disaster Director Bo Sells said they’ve been preparing throughout the week.

“We know days in advance before it’s going to make landfall. So we are able to take measures to put into action any kind of resources that we might need,” Sells said.

The Salvation Army’s primary response will focus on feeding services with mobile kitchen units, capable of serving 500 to 1,500 meals per day to disaster survivors.

“It’s not just providing a meal or providing hydration. We also want to feed the soul,” Sells said.

That’s where emotional and spiritual care workers come into play. They unfortunately have a lot of experience in Kentucky with floods and tornadoes ravaging the state in recent years.

When they do respond, they’re “not there just for a couple of weeks,” Sells said. “We’ll be there for long-term recovery. We’ll be there to help provide financial assistance in many different types of ways. We’ll be there for as long as we’re needed.”

Sells has also learned that disaster can sometimes bring out the best in people.

“We will hand them a hot plate of food. And they’ll reluctantly say they want to give it to someone else. Or keep it so somebody else who’s in more need than what they are can have it,” he said.

But they’ll be there for everyone.

The best way to support the salvation army’s disaster relief efforts is through financial contributions, which allow the organization to provide immediate and flexible assistance. Donations can be made online by phone at 1-800-sal-army (725-2769).