Emergency Trailers For Flooding Responses Provided By Alexandria-Based Nonprofit

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Responses to flooding in Virginia and other states will get a boost from Alexandria-based Islamic Relief USA.

The humanitarian and advocacy nonprofit is providing emergency trailers to help with flooding responses. The trailers will be stocked with tools and equipment to help with "muck and gut" operations in flood-damaged structures.

Islamic Relief USA says the new equipment is part of a program responding to increasing flooding disasters. The four trailers will be stationed in states that Islamic Relief USA has regional operations in — Virginia, Florida, Texas and California.

"These trailers will help elevate the quality and consistency of our disaster response services while meeting the critical needs of the respective communities with greater efficiency," said Hani Hamwi, manager of Islamic Relief USA's disaster management team.

The nonprofit will showcase its new emergency trailers at an event at 10:30 a.m. Friday with Alexandria City Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez. It will happen at Islamic Relief USA's headquarters, located at 3655 Wheeler Ave. in Alexandria.

Islamic Relief USA says its disaster management team has assisted in several hurricane and flood-related disasters over the years, including in Houston, Texas; Frankfort, Kentucky; Chicago; and several North Carolina communities. Along with providing trailers, the team is boosting its regional volunteer bases. Volunteers are notified when the nonprofit receives requests for assistance. The organization has a goal of training 300 new volunteers.