CHARLOTTE, NCA Emergency response teams from all around North Carolina are stepping up as Hurricane Erin approaches the East Coast. The Charlotte Fire Department has sent out its Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3 to help with storm response and coastal readiness.
Charlotte Fire Activates Specialized Rescue Team
North Carolina Emergency Management activated Charlotte Fire’s Task Force 3, a highly skilled Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit, on Saturday. The crew is a part of the state’s coordinated preparations for Hurricane Erin’s possible landfall and effects. The storm is expected to bring storm surge, severe gusts, and coastal flooding to parts of the Outer Banks and other municipalities.
Along with more than 100,000 pounds of specialist rescue gear, the deployment consists of 45 soldiers, including:
-
Structural collapse tools
-
Water rescue gear
-
Emergency medical supplies
-
Communication systems
Mark Basnight, deputy fire chief, highlighted the team’s preparedness:
Being an essential component of North Carolina’s emergency response system makes Charlotte Fire proud. During severe events like Hurricane Erin, our USAR crew is prepared and trained to manage intricate rescues.
Part of a Statewide Mobilization
As part of the state’s larger disaster preparedness plan, Charlotte Fire’s deployment is coordinated with other regional USAR teams based in Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and Wilmington. Even though the precise location of the hurricane’s landfall is still unknown, these deployments are being made in advance of its path.
In the event of collapsed structures or extensive flooding, officials argue that placing teams closer to anticipated impact zones will speed up reaction times and improve the efficacy of rescue efforts.
Local Agencies on High Alert
Local organizations throughout the state, including those in Mecklenburg County, are preparing for possible inland storm consequences, including as flash flooding and power outages, as coastal evacuations are already in place in Dare and Hyde counties.
Even in places that are not close to the ocean, residents are being urged to keep an eye on official bulletins and prepare emergency supplies.
Although their Task Force is currently positioned close to the coast, Charlotte fire officials stated that all of the city’s fire stations are still fully manned and ready to respond to local situations.
About Charlotte s Task Force 3
One of the seven FEMA-approved USAR teams in North Carolina, Charlotte’s Task Force 3 is prepared to handle the following situations:
- Building collapses
- Flood rescues
- Tornado damage
- Natural disasters
The squad has responded to storms and floods incidents in the past and regularly takes part in statewide and national deployments.
The role of the Charlotte Fire in Hurricane Erin preparation demonstrates the city’s dedication to public safety as well as the greater significance of interagency cooperation in emergency situations.
Have you prepared a plan for hurricanes? Tell us how you’re getting ready by leaving a comment at SaladaStandard-Sentinel.com with your advice.
