Robbins, 'hurricane-mobile' head for coast

Salvation Army Capt. Robbie Robbins opens the door Wednesday to the mechanical support trailer he is taking to the Carolina coast. Robbins is on a 2-week deployment to help with disaster relief efforts following the arrival of Tropical Storm Hanna. As Tropical Storm Hanna heads towards shore, Salvation Army Capt. Robbie Robbins waits in Charlotte for orders on where he will help residents impacted by the storm's landfall.

Robbins headed for Charlotte on Wednesday. He is the safety officer for a divisional team assigned by the Salvation Army to work disasters in South Carolina and North Carolina. He will join a 4-person team for a 2-week deployment to help with Hanna disaster relief efforts.

While currently a tropical storm, weather forecasters have said Hanna could return to hurricane strength before it reaches the Carolina coast.

Gov. Mark Sanford has asked residents in Horry and Georgetown counties to leave flood-prone areas by Friday afternoon. The Salvation Army is among the agencies preparing to provide help once the storm hits.

Robbins will use a new mechanical support trailer purchased by the Salvation Army. The trailer will be used to keep mobile kitchens in operation so meals can be served to disaster workers and to residents left stranded by the storm.

Described as a "shop on wheels," Robbins said the mechanical trailer contains a 16-foot shop area. It is outfitted with various tools, oil, air filters, generators, and parts to fix almost every type of mechanical problem.

"This is a one-of-a-kind trailer. It grew out of my experience following Hurricane Floyd," Robbins said. "This is the first time this type of trailer has ever been used in a disaster area. This will save a lot of time and money having all these tools and equipment in one place."

Robbins worked as a diesel mechanic on heavy equipment engines before God called him into the Salvation Army ministry.

A licensed paramedic, he has used his professional expertise in mechanics and first aid to help with disaster relief efforts over the past 16 years.

Robbins spent two months helping communities recover from hurricanes Katrina and Floyd.

He has helped Baptist church men's groups with mechanical problems and spent time on the Pentagon disaster site following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"I enjoy helping in communities wherever there is a need. They are all our brothers and sisters," Robbins said.

"I believe God puts us in situations where we can serve as a witness to others and use our knowledge to help other people," he said.

Robbins will be deployed on the Carolina coast for a minimum of 14 days. His time could be extended based on the damage caused by Hanna.

The Salvation Army officer has learned from his experiences helping with disaster cleanup efforts.

"During Hurricane Katrina, there was no place to sleep. My son Nick and I slept in the truck cab for two weeks," Robbins said. "The trailer has some conveniences of home. I keep the trailer loaded so it's ready to leave for a disaster at a moment's notice."