Kansas first responders released from Florida deployment this morning, now traveling to
North Carolina to assist with developing Hurricane Dorian response
The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team comprised of members from multiple Kansas agencies has been released from its deployment in Florida and is now traveling to North Carolina to continue assisting in Hurricane Dorian response efforts.
Initially, Kansas Task Force 1 (KS-TF1) rostered a team of 42 first responders from across the Kansas to assist with operations in Florida as catastrophic Hurricane Dorian made its way toward the east coast of the US. However, after the storm turned north, and continues to barrel toward the Carolinas, they have been requested for deployment in North Carolina. The team departed Lake City, Fla., this morning and is on its way to Raleigh, NC, where it will await assignment.
“Storms like these are unpredictable,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Florida was very appreciative of our quick response to their request for our assistance. Now as the storm turns north and another state is in its path of destruction, we are more than willing to share our team’s resources and expertise with North Carolina and its residents as they hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”
The team is prepared to search for and transport any people and animals stranded by rising storm surge and flood waters. They are also ready to provide basic life support and medical care, while supporting any other urban search and rescue efforts. KS-TF1 has at its disposal qualified Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP)-equivalent Type 3 USAR equipment, which includes floodwater/swiftwater equipment and full collapse rescue cache.
For more information please visit: firemarshal.ks.gov
Image courtesy of navylive.dodlive.mil
