Salvation Army Volunteers Respond to Hurricane Ernesto
On August 17, Category 1 Hurricane Ernesto struck Bermuda, bringing up to 18 cm of heavy rainfall, massive waves, and strong winds that reached up to 168 km gusts, downing trees. Approximately 75 percent of the Island lost power, which caused cancellations and disruptions.
Throughout an entire weekend, Salvation Army volunteers, as part of the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team, operated an emergency shelter for the vulnerable population seeking refuge from the storm.
“The Salvation Army’s role is to provide food services during an emergency.”
The emergency shelter was run in cooperation with the Red Cross and Bermuda’s Department of Health. Together, these organizations form Bermuda’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO). The Army’s role was to provide meals to everyone inside the shelter and emotional and spiritual support to anyone who needed it.
“The Salvation Army, whenever there is a threat like this, comes together with EMO as a team. Everyone has a responsibility. The Salvation Army’s role is to provide food services during an emergency,” says Major Cathy Simms, area commander for The Salvation Army in Bermuda.
The EDS volunteers arrived at the emergency shelter on a Friday and stayed until Sunday. During their time there, they not only provided food for the shelter’s guests but also for members of other response teams. Many volunteers had the opportunity to interact with the clients and listen to their stories.
“The volunteers have such a heart for service and a wonderful attitude. Here they are, people who are impacted themselves by the hurricane, worried about their families, worried about their homes, and they are locking themselves in for the whole weekend to serve the community,” shares Major Cathy.
One of the volunteers was Lynne Cann, who has been part of The Salvation Army’s emergency response for over 20 years. She has lost count of how many hurricanes she has had to go through, but she never hesitates to leave her home and always helps the emergency services team when the next storm comes.
“Being prepared is my motto,” Lynne says. She calmly left her home to be at the shelter, trusting that her house would be safe. “The Salvation Army has helped my family be prepared for natural disasters like this. It’s in God’s hands.”
During her weekend at the shelter, Lynne describes the atmosphere as calm despite the initial uncertainty that comes with the anticipation of a hurricane.
“The people we helped loved the atmosphere and being taken care of.”
“Together, we were able to get through the weekend and help those who needed shelter.”
Thankfully, Bermuda didn’t suffer extensive damage, and normality quickly returned to the Island. However, everyone in the emergency shelter that weekend will remember the efforts of the EDS team.
“Every group that was there were saying thank you to The Salvation Army for the lovely meals,” added Major Darryl Simms, pastor at the Army’s North Street Citadel. “We also appreciate the work of the different groups. Together, we were able to get through the weekend and help those who needed shelter.”
The Salvation Army in Bermuda is always happy to welcome new members to their EDS team.
You can apply to become a volunteer by visiting www.salvationarmy.bm/EDS.
By Juan Romero
