Escambia County, FL
09/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 12:56
Escambia County Sends Help to Hurricane Helene-Impacted Areas
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Escambia County has mobilized and deployed resources to assist areas to the east that have been impacted by the storm.
Escambia County Emergency Management deployed early this morning to Madison County along with the county's mobile command unit, THOR, Escambia County EMS, and Santa Rosa County Emergency Management to support response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene's impact.
Hurricane Helene made landfall just after 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 in Taylor County as a category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph.
"This hurricane has devastated many of our neighbors to the east, and now is the time when we all come together as Floridians to begin the long road to recovery," Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said. "This is what our team trains for all year long so we can remain ready to respond quickly and effectively after a disaster. Escambia County is always proud to provide resources and support during difficult times like this, and we will continue to help our neighboring counties and the state in any way we can."
Escambia County Emergency Management hosted the Florida Department of Emergency Management at the county's Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Helene made landfall, allowing the state to continue operations in case of a direct impact to the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. FDEM was able to return to Tallahassee this morning after the storm to resume operations at the state EOC.
"Our hearts are heavy for the communities that were impacted by Hurricane Helene and the lives that were lost in this devastating storm, and we will continue to keep them in our prayers as we come together to support recovery efforts," Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno said. "I am incredibly proud of our Escambia County team for stepping up during difficult times like this to support our neighboring counties before, during, and after the storm."
The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare is preparing to deploy the county's Animal Search and Rescue, or ASAR, team this afternoon to a county impacted by Hurricane Helene, to be determined by the state based on highest need. The ASAR team will embed with the ASPCA to assist with animal search and rescue efforts, respond to animal control calls, and help with emergency sheltering operations.
The ASAR team has members from Animal Welfare and Escambia County Fire Rescue who are trained to respond to disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or other large-scale animal rescue incidents. Escambia County Animal Welfare also partnered with national organizations to provide staging areas for pet food and supplies that will be distributed to areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Escambia County Equestrian Center also accepted animal evacuations for those leaving areas in the hurricane's path, housing 35 horses during the storm, along with a mini pig and four goats.
Escambia County EMS and Escambia County Fire Rescue are also standing by and are ready to deploy if requested by the state. ECFR has an Urban Search and Rescue team, HAZMAT team, fire engine company and a strike team leader prepared to deploy if needed.
For the latest news and updates from Escambia County Emergency Management, like Escambia County Emergency Management on Facebook and follow @EscambiaBeReady on Instagram.
Escambia County Emergency Management deploying early this morning to Madison County along with the county's mobile command unit, THOR, Escambia County EMS, and Santa Rosa County Emergency Management to support response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene's impact.
Escambia County Emergency Management hosted the Florida Department of Emergency Management at the county's Emergency Operations Center as Hurricane Helene made landfall, allowing the state to continue operations in case of a direct impact to the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
ASPCA Technician Manager Jenn Cherry and Escambia County Animal Welfare Division Manager Kevin Monfreda preparing to deploy this afternoon to assist with animal search and rescue operations in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Escambia County's mobile command unit, THOR.
A horse evacuee at the Escambia County Equestrian Center, which housed approximately 35 horses for those leaving areas in the path of Hurricane Helene.
Escambia County Equestrian Center Maintenance Technician Robert Parker walks one of the goats housed at the Equestrian Center due to evacuations from Hurricane Helene.
Escambia County's Animal Search and Rescue Team during a previous a water rescue training.
Escambia County's Animal Search and Rescue Team during a previous a water rescue training.