GCFD Uses Technology and Collaboration to Expedite Hurricane Response

An online app has given Greenville City Fire Department (GCFD) an edge when responding to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Using the SARCOP app, responders are able to upload hazards in real time, allowing emergency managers to deploy help quickly.

GCFD also got a boost from the more than 156 urban search-and-rescue personnel who arrived in Greenville this week, including South Carolina Task Force Two, Three and Four, Louisiana Task Force Two and Three and California Task Force Five, whose members drove across the country to assist with recovery efforts. GCFD also received state support North Myrtle Beach, Horry County, Howe Springs, Lexington, Florence and South Carolina State Fire.

"When a disaster of this magnitude hits, we need the support of additional agencies to ensure everybody's safety," GCFD Lt. Seth James, who participated in recovery efforts for Hurricane Florence, said.

Lt. James analyzed the data and worked with Fire Chief Brian Horton and Chief of Operations David Hindman to plan a response strategy.

GCFD identified more than 1,500 incidents, from human rescue to structure collapses to fallen debris. The collective response has been underway since Friday. As of Wednesday morning, only 150 waypoint incidents remained open.

"The response has been incredible," Lt. James states. "If it wasn't for GCFD's commitment to education and supporting our neighbors in need, I wouldn't have had the experience from Hurricane Florence that allowed me to coordinate teams and utilize the platform effectively."

GCFD, along with other city, state and federal agencies, continue to work towards a full recovery in the coming weeks. When Greenville returns to its normal routine, the work of the national teams will continue, as they will redirect their effort to western North Carolina.