COLLEGE STATION – Tropical Storm Helene is expected to become a hurricane before it makes landfall in Florida. The state is making preparations ahead of the storm, and now, help from Texas is on the way.
Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott deployed Texas A&M Task Force 1 to the Sunshine State. The Task Force is one of 28 federal teams under FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue System. Headquartered in College Station, it’s one of two statewide search-and-rescue teams under the direction of the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
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80 personnel, more than 17 vehicles, 6 boats, and 6 canine units will be on site. Task Force 1 is expected to arrive in Florida Wednesday morning. In a post on Facebook, the team said they are “honored to represent our state and assist our friends in Florida.”
Governor Abbott released the following statement:
“Texas will always stand with our fellow Americans and lend a helping hand during times of crisis. Texans understand firsthand the importance of hurricane preparedness and the ability to deploy resources for a swift response effort to protect those impacted by a storm. I thank our first responders for stepping up to provide this crucial assistance to the state of Florida. Cecilia and I ask Texans to join us in prayer for Florida as Tropical Storm Helene approaches their shores.”