As floodwaters continued to rise Tuesday, the Chattanooga Salvation Army increased its relief efforts in Hamilton County, Tenn. and Walker County. Two mobile kitchen units were in service Monday, and a third unit is arriving today.

With the South Chickamauga Creek expected to crest at 28.5 feet by Tuesday evening, more families face evacuation from hard-hit East Ridge. Hamilton County Emergency Management officials are preparing for up to 200 more evacuees to begin arriving today at the Red Cross shelter in Brainerd. At the same time, Emergency Management leaders in Walker County are gearing up for an influx of flood victims from as far as Atlanta to arrive at their Walker County Emergency Shelter at the local Civic Center.

On Monday, The Salvation Army distributed almost 175 meals at the Brainerd Shelter and to stranded residents in East Ridge and Walker County. The Chattanooga Army’s mobile kitchen unit is stationed in Brainerd while the Knoxville-based mobile kitchen is serving hot meals in North Georgia. The Winchester Salvation Army mobile kitchen unit is due to arrive in the Chattanooga area by late Tuesday as the need is expected to escalate.

In addition to feeding and keeping evacuees and relief workers hydrated, the Salvation Army is also handing out clean-up kits to those hoping to return home as soon as the water begins to recede.

Monetary donations can be sent to The Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403 or made online at www.csarmy.org. For those who wish to donate sports drinks or water, these can be dropped off at the Emergency Relief Command Post at The Salvation Army Community Center at 1019 North Moore Road. For volunteer information, call 423-756-1023.