SASKATOON – Official forecasts say moderate to major flooding will likely occur over the next month for areas close to Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw.
The Salvation Army is helping to prepare volunteers to help Saskatchewan flood victims in worst-case scenarios.
Volunteers from across the province gathered at Beaver Creek Conservation Area on Saturday for flood disaster training.
Dennis Hamm has been volunteering with the Salvation Army for 17 years and isn’t ready to retire. Instead he’s taking on bigger tasks, like driving one of the organization’s emergency vehicles.
“I wanted to learn how to help out and volunteer more in a disaster area…and my interest is more…learning that community response vehicle,” said Hamm.
Emergency and Disaster Services coordinator Mike Hoeft says dedicated volunteers learn to that they may have to travel to remote locations to help flood victims.
“We do try to keep in touch with the provincial government, just trying to have an idea of where we might be needed the most…we will travel to wherever we can deploy teams of volunteers,” said Hoeft.
Hoeft also said food safety knowledge is essential during disasters.
Participants also take a course on emotional and spiritual care for disaster victims.
“So that people can help those who’ve been impacted by disaster, deal with what’s going on,” explains Hoeft.
Should any major flooding happen in critical areas this spring, Salvation Army volunteers say they’ll be ready with food, clothing and many helping hands.
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