NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has deployed two Type II Swiftwater Rescue Teams to South Carolina as Tropical Storm Debby continues to move east, with record-setting rain and flooding expected for the coastal region.

A Type IV EMAC A-Team, comprised of TEMA personnel, will also serve in a critical response support role at South Carolina's State Emergency Operations Center in Columbia.

"Tropical Storm Debby continues to pose a threat to the southeast, with possible life-threatening storm surges and flooding," said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. "I'm grateful to Tennessee's firefighters and emergency management professionals who are leaving their homes to help South Carolina with resources, personnel, and expertise to support a swift and efficient response. "

The two credentialed Swiftwater Rescue Teams are comprised of personnel representing:

• Kingsport Fire Department
• Bristol Fire Department
• Johnson City Fire Department
• Washington County - Johnson City EMS
• Knoxville Fire Department

These resources are in addition to the Type I Swiftwater Rescue Team with Tennessee Task Force 2 (TNTF2) and a Type IV EMAC Team currently in Florida to assist with search and rescue operations and other emergency response.

TEMA is coordinating Tennessee's deployments through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation's state-to-state mutual aid system. For additional information on EMAC and how sates help each other in times of disaster, visit emacweb.org.

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About the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: TEMA's mission is to coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery from man-made, natural, and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders. Follow TEMA on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and at tn.gov/tema.