Memphis, Tenn. Urban Search And Rescue Team Deployed To Florida
Release Date: September 4, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-159
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing search and rescue teams to assist the State of Florida in any life saving operations that may be needed as a result of Hurricane Frances. The two FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) task forces are from Virginia and Tennessee.
“We have committed all available resources to help the residents of Florida, including deploying the US&R teams who will play a critical search and rescue role in the response effort,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Tennessee Task Force 1, out of Memphis, is now in a staging area in Jacksonville, Fla., and will deploy into affected areas after Hurricane Frances moves through the state.
“We have a full range of staff and equipment primed and ready to assist local and state first responders with any search or rescue operation that may become necessary as a result of Hurricane Frances,” said John Selberg, task force leader for Tennessee task force 1.
US&R task forces have 70 specialists, and are divided into six major functional elements: search, rescue, medical, hazmat, logistics and planning. Each task force is divided into two 35-member teams, which allows for the rotation and relief of personnel for round-the-clock search and rescue operations.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Saturday, 04-Sep-2004 23:11:21