Oklahoma Sending Resources to Assist States Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Today, Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced that Oklahoma is sending two Type 1 swift water rescue teams to assist state and local response efforts for Hurricane Helene in Florida and North Carolina.

The teams include Oklahoma Task Force 1 members from Tulsa Fire Department and Oklahoma City Fire Department, along with a boats, trailers, and equipment. The teams are deploying in response to Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) requests from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. The Tulsa TF1 team deployed to Florida yesterday and the Oklahoma City TF1 team will deploy to North Carolina today.

"As always, Oklahoma will answer the call to help our friends and neighbors. That's the Oklahoma Standard, plain and simple," said Governor Stitt. "As states prepare for Hurricane Helene, we're committed to uplifting them with any of our available resources. I'm grateful to our elite first responders in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for their willingness to step up and help our neighbors once again."

EMAC is a national mutual aid system that allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to help disaster relief efforts in other states. The state-to-state system was developed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and was established in 1996. In recent years, Oklahoma has sent state, local and tribal personnel to support EMAC requests in California, Florida, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Personnel from Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, and New York have also deployed through EMAC to assist Oklahoma with response and recovery efforts this spring.

"We have been so appreciative of the support from other states to help with the federal disasters in Oklahoma earlier this year and now Oklahoma can return the favor," said OEM Director Annie Mack Vest. "The EMAC system provides the mechanism to facilitate that vital state-to-state aid."

OEM continues to monitor additional requests from the affected areas. Further support may be deployed if needed.