INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Task Force 1 is deploying a team of about 50 people as Hurricane Ian continues to move toward the U.S. coast.
The team was activated Tuesday morning and deployed around 10 a.m. to stage near Montgomery, Alabama. Three canines and nearly a dozen vehicles joined the team on the deployment.
Those deploying include 45 team members and six support personnel, according to a tweet from Indiana Task Force 1. They are prepared to help in technical, medical and rescue operations.
“Hurricane season here in the last 10 years has just been unbelievable. Last year was a little slower this year, it's kind of started out slow, but like I said, the federal government has, at least over the last several years, looked at pre-staging resources a lot closer than trying to send those from home when requested," Gerald George, Task Force Leader with Indiana Task Force 1, said.
Activated at 7:00 AM this morning & on the road by 10:00 AM Canines Nike, Orion and Guinness joined 48 members of #INTF1 on their deployment in support of Hurricane #Ian. The team is making their way to Alabama where they will stage and await further orders. @fema @NAT_USAR_NEWS pic.twitter.com/Xy71BGbC2Z
— Indiana Task Force 1 (@IN_Task_Force_1) September 27, 2022
“So it’s really our way as Hoosiers to go over and help whatever state we’re going to to help those individuals. Just a prayer and support for those individuals back here and for our families, as well," George said.
Members on this deployment come from more than a dozen police and fire departments including Carmel, Lafayette and Plainfield. There is no timetable on how long the team may be assisting. George said the team is always asked to be prepared for 10 to 14 days.
Hurricane Ian is expected to cause flooding and hurricane-force winds in parts of Cuba on Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. It's expected to bring tropical storm conditions starting Tuesday to west-central Florida.
-
How you can give input to a new community center coming to Decatur Township
Located in Decatur Farms Park at the intersection of Paddock & County Line Rd, the center will bring a much-needed gathering space to a growing neighborhood.Kokomo Infill Program turns vacant lots into new single-family homes
The Kokomo Infill Program is a partnership between the City and the Kokomo Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit that works to revitalize low-income neighborhoods.Arsenal Tech student designs Overdose Task Force Unit's first logo
On Monday, students at Arsenal Tech High School were part of an effort to spur change and save lives.Federal funding cuts threaten affordable housing resources in central Indiana
Funding cuts to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs threaten affordable housing initiatives in Indiana impacting vulnerable communities.