Minneapolis – In times of disaster, communication is critical for emergency response but often the means to keep technology charged disappears in the wake of the storm. To aid Salvation Army disaster relief work in the south after tornadoes devastated dozens of communities, Minnesota-based Polaris Industries (NYSE: PII) donated several pallets of Polaris POWER™ Digital Inverter Generators perfect for recharging communication devices. The generators will be shipped to Salvation Army disaster relief central in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma today.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of the terrible storms that wreaked havoc throughout the South,” said Scott Wine, Polaris’ Chief Executive Officer. “In such difficult times, the relief efforts orchestrated by the Salvation Army create a lifeline that brings food, clothing, and other essentials to those desperately in need. Coordinating the deployment of those resources is a Herculean task requiring reliable communications and with the donation of these generators, we are proud to assist the Salvation Army in this humanitarian mission.”

Normally used as a power source for camping, hunting, tailgating or anything outdoors, Polaris POWER generators also can be valuable in disaster situations as an emergency back-up power source. The models deliver clean power in a fuel-efficient, quiet and compact package which features an economy throttle to manage power output to maximize runtime. This ensures long-lasting power anywhere it is needed, which is optimal for The Salvation Army’s efforts.

This is not the first time Polaris has stepped in at times of disaster. Most recently, the Medina-based company gave 10 military-grade all-terrain vehicles to Salvation Army relief efforts after the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes. In addition, 10 vehicles were donated to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 bringing the total worth of the donations to nearly half a million dollars.

“Polaris is uniquely situated to provide first-rate equipment that will literally be life changing in times of disaster,” said Colonel Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Commander in Minnesota and North Dakota. “In the past, we have relied upon Ham Radio operators, and while those are still important, the use of cell phones and radios are what give each disaster relief member a connection to the response. Communications is essential and can make or break our efforts.”

The Salvation Army completed its first 24 hours of emergency disaster response for the Central Arkansas area hit by the tornadoes Sunday night. Initially, two mobile kitchens were deployed throughout the area providing food and beverages to survivors. In Kansas, two Salvation Army mobile units are providing meal support to survivors and relief workers.

On Tuesday, The Salvation Army will deploy six additional mobile kitchens to Arkansas. In Kansas, The Salvation Army will open a financial assistance center to provide for basic emergency needs.

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel are mobilized. Donors are encouraged to give online at SalvationArmyNorth.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

Text to give is also available. You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”*