Missouri Task Force One should arrive at the Gulf of Mexico before Hurricane Francine makes landfall. Battalion Chief Gale Blomenkamp told KMOX Radio in St. Louis that they will set up just north of New Orleans.
“Forty-five total people. They do have two live-find K9 animals with them,” he said. “You know, it’s a type-three with an enhanced water rescue capabilities. Typically, these hurricanes, you know, create flooding issues.”
The deployment also includes more than 100,000 pounds of equipment.
“Well, (Louisiana) that’s where the anticipated landfall is,” Blomenkamp said. “So actually, Alexandria, Louisiana, is just (northwest) of Baton Rouge, and then also we have two members as part of the incident support team that are in Baton Rouge right now.”
When Missouri Task Force One arrives at the staging area, they will receive mission assignments which may include welfare checks and handling hazardous materials.
Missouri Task Force One won’t be only ones responding.
“On this deployment, Tennessee Task Force One has also been deployed as a type-three team,” Blomenkamp said.
He also said that the teams may or may not be needed, but they are prepared to carry out whatever mission is needed.
“It could be flooding. It could be rescues,” Blomenkamp said. “It could be urban search and rescue. It could be humanitarian aid.”
Additionally, two task force members have also been deployed as part of a FEMA Incident Support Team to provide specialized expertise to support response efforts.
Story courtesy of KMOX Radio in St. Louis.
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