Last Updated on August 31, 2017 by cassnetwork
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb has authorized the deployment of Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) support and resources for the Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts underway in Texas. Additionally, he has authorized Indiana’s National Guard to begin preparations to deploy Hoosier guardsmen and resources if needed.
“When another state is devastated by a natural disaster, Indiana is committed to providing resources to help response and recovery efforts,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We are ready when called to serve and respond. I pray for the safety of all the citizens, first responders and volunteers in the days and weeks to come.”
The Indiana National Guard has begun preparations and planning to mobilize personnel and resources as needed to support Hurricane Harvey efforts.
“Preparing to support civil authorities during a time of distress is what our soldiers and airmen train for,” said Maj. Gen. Courtney P. Carr, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “If called, we are prepared to respond.”
Two DNR swift water rescue teams consisting of 28 total Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers and one administrative employee will be deployed. A support team consisting of six first responders from the IDHS District 4 Task Force will also be deployed. IDHS also will release 206,760 MREs from its inventory to support relief efforts.
The swift water rescue teams will conduct search and rescue operations, provide basic life support and medical care, transport stranded citizens to secondary rescue locations and support other urban and air search and rescue efforts.
IDHS District 4 is comprised of Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren and White counties.
“Indiana first responders and emergency management professionals frequently work with colleagues in other states to share resources and expertise,” said IDHS Director Bryan Langley. “We are ready to lend whatever help we can to assist the families affected by this disaster.”
IDHS manages emergency response policies, protocols and procedures among Indiana responders. Learn more about its efforts to keep Hoosiers and Americans safe at GetPrepared.in.gov.
Follow the Indiana National Guard for updates at facebook.com/IndianaGuardsman or twitter.com/INGuardsman.
SOURCE: News release from the Office of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb
Lafayette, IN. — As flood waters are still on the rise in Texas from Hurricane Harvey, the District 4 Response Task Force has been activated to provide assistance. Along with the Federal Team of Indiana Task Force 1, additional resources have been requested in Texas. Two water rescue teams consisting of Indiana Conservation Officers from around the State are in the process of deploying along with resources from the Lafayette Area. The District 4 Response Task Force will be standing up the Service and Support Element which is comprised of personal and units that will provide housing, food, radio communications, and maintenance equipment for those operating in the field. Overall, 29 Conservation Officers, 22 jon boats, 4 air boats, 6 members of the District 4 Task Force Service and Support Element, and numerous support vehicles are enroute to provide rescue efforts staging in College Station, Texas. The District 4 Response Task Force is expected to be utilized for approximately 1 week if not longer.
The District 4 Response Task Force is comprised of over 230 members from the nine counties represented in the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s 4th District. Counties represented include: Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White. Members of the team come from many backgrounds including: Public Heath, Fire Departments, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and Law Enforcement. The District 4 Response Task Force is able to deploy to local, regional, statewide, or national incidents.
SOURCE: News release from IDHS District 4 Response Task Force