Fire... Tornado... Flood... No one expects the unexpected, but when bad things do happen in Chautauqua County, The Salvation Army's Red Shield is there on the front line, ready to offer hurting families and individuals the help and hope they need to get back on their feet.

The Salvation Army in Jamestown is an integral member of the community of disaster service organizations. A team of skilled volunteers is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any emergencies that may develop in Chautauqua County.

The SERV (Salvation Army Emergency Response Vehicle) is a mobile canteen that responds to requests from fire companies, police departments, government agencies and other emergency disaster organizations. Its purpose is to respond to the immediate needs of workers at an emergency or disaster site. Food and drink are dispensed with other comforts such as clean, wool socks, gloves, cooling scarves, chairs and even a cot!

The Salvation Army assists the victims of disaster, too. It's there to supplement emergency assistance by other agencies with financial grants, food and clothing. No repayment of these services is sought or required. Weekdays between 1 and 4pm, workers at its 83 South Main Street facility will evaluate each case on an individual basis.

One final note. Always remember that The Salvation Army's support extends beyond material goods. If you’ve gone through a traumatic experience, sometimes the most helpful thing to do is to find someone to talk with about it. By appointment, The Salvation Army will arrange for spiritual counseling or someone to just listen.

No matter what the situation, The Salvation Army is committed to helping people overcome the obstacles they face -- one person at a time -- through food, comfort, prayers and practical assistance they need to put their lives back together.

For more information about Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services -- or to find out how you can help -- contact Leslie Vattimo at (716) 664-4108 ext. 231.