Photo courtesy of Ford.

Photo courtesy of Ford.

Ford has donated a custom Transit Van to support the Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts in southeast Michigan, Ford has announced.

The 2016 Transit 350 cargo van will serve as a disaster response unit as part of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division Emergency Disaster Services' canteen fleet. Ford will also donate a similar Transit in Kansas City.

The Salvation Army's regional disaster services volunteer team responds to calls for help from local authorities, and provides food, beverages, blankets, clothing, temporary shelter, communications support, emergency lighting, clean-up kits and comfort to victims and families of major disasters. The team also aids police, firefighters and other first responders at the emergency scene.

The high-roof Transit 350 cargo van has been set up with custom equipment such as emergency LED strobe lighting in the grille and roof, as well as sirens and external speakers. A generator and ham radio antenna will help keep Emergency Disaster Services team connected during a disaster.

The extended-wheelbase van's 487 cubic feet of cargo space houses a two-burner stovetop, microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, freezer, sink and electric hot water heater. Further food service upfits include two water tanks, a water pump and countertops. Food will be served through a custom window with a fold-out stainless steel shelf protected by a 10-foot awning.

LED ceiling lights controlled by four switches will help improve interior visibility at disaster sites. The upfits were completed by Livonia-based Technosports Creative. The dual-rear-wheel van is powered by the 3.5L V-6 EcoBoost engine.

When fully stocked, the Transit can serve approximately 250 disaster victims and first responder personnel.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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