BAY MINETTE, Alabama - At noon Tuesday, the Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama opened a 24-hour shelter for anyone who has nowhere safe to go during Tropical Storm Isaac.

 “Typically, our shelter accommodates around 120 each night of the year, but with the storm fast approaching this number is expected to rise significantly” says Major Mark Brown, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama. “Last night we pulled out the cots which slept more than 40 extra people who had come looking for a safe place to sleep. And with the closing of Waterfront Rescue Mission and 15 Place, we anticipate our numbers will multiply.”

During this time of emergency, three meals a day will be offered to anyone staying there.

 “We are also preparing to feed and support first responders, volunteers and those affected by Isaac once the storm passes,” Brown said. On Wednesday, an addition six Salvation Army mobile feeding units (18-foot trucks called “canteens”) and a support management team from across Alabama and Mississippi will be rolling in to support local staff and ramp up Salvation Army services to those affected by the storm.

 They are currently staged in Hattiesburg, Miss. to wait out the storm. The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama has officers present at both the Mobile and Baldwin County EMA EOC’s. They will be working with local emergency officials to find out where to help. For more information, go to 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or salvationarmyusa.org.