Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Supports Those Affected by Explosion in Ottawa
When an explosion destroyed four homes under construction and damaged others in the eastern Ottawa suburb of Orleans, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services arrived to support those affected by the blast.
According to local media reports, the incident occurred just after 6 am on Monday, February 13th, injuring 12 people, six of whom were taken to hospital. In addition, 18 families were evacuated for a few days while their homes were inspected to ensure they were structurally safe.
The Salvation Army Victims Services Team arrived at 8 am Monday to support those affected with emotional and spiritual help. The team stayed on site until late evening and returned the following two days to provide clothing and furniture vouchers to those that were evacuated.
The Salvation Army’s Mobile Canteen Vehicle, staffed with retired firefighter volunteers, arrived on scene to provide food and beverages including hamburgers, water, coffee and snacks to the 150 first responders on site.
“It is always a privilege for The Salvation Army to be called upon during disasters. Not only did we provide food and refreshments to the first responders, but we also provided many hours of emotional and spiritual support for the evacuees impacted by the explosion,” said Theresa Antonietti, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Specialist. “I spent moments with someone who was in tears because of the unknown situation. Many nearby residents had family affected by the earthquake in Turkey the previous week and they thought this was happening in Orleans.”
Theresa says she hopes the support they give to those affected by a disaster is seen as an act of God’s love by offering a bottle of water, a coffee, a burger, a cookie or a muffin and conversation.
Caroline Franks
