Montpelier, Vt. – A Vermont swift water rescue team is deploying to Texas to assist in the response to Hurricane Harvey. Vermont Task Force 1 Swift Water Rescue Team will perform evacuations and rescues in flooded areas.
The deployment is through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) at the request of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The mission will last 12 days, including two days to drive each way between Vermont and Texas and eight days on ground in the hurricane zone.
“In the days and months after Tropical Storm Irene our friends from around the country eagerly came to our aid,” Governor Phil Scott said. “In times of need there are no borders, we’re all united as Americans to help those in danger. We’re proud to have a highly-trained team of responders like Vermont Task Force-1 to offer Texas during this trying time.”
Texas made a request for 100 swift water rescue teams through a nationwide Emergency Management Assistance Compact request. EMAC is a mutual aid agreement among states that streamlines deployment of special teams and other personnel, with all expenses being paid by the requesting state.
The responders heading for Texas are only a portion of Vermont’s swift water personnel, leaving sufficient coverage for the state should there be a need.
The media is invited to a sendoff event with Governor Phil Scott, Vermont Emergency Management representatives, and other officials at 11:30 a.m. this morning (Thursday, August 31) at Colchester Rescue – 687 Blakely Road, Colchester
Guidance for Individuals Looking to Help
Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) issued guidance for individuals interested in helping, which can be found at http://vem.vermont.gov/news/tips-donating-and-volunteering-hurricane-re…. Vermonters are urged to follow this guidance, which includes ensuring those interested in volunteering affiliate with an organization and do not self-deploy to the disaster.
“Vermonters always stand ready to help those in need, and even as we deploy our Swift Water Rescue Team today, I know many still want to do more,” said Gov. Scott. “VEM has offered some clear guidance on how to help in a way that maximizes the impact and keeps everyone safe, so we urge all to follow that guidance.”
What: Sendoff event with Governor Phil Scott, Vermont Emergency Management representatives, and other officials.
When: Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Colchester Rescue – 687 Blakely Road, Colchester, Vt.