Grace Palo
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Urban search and rescue teams from Maryland and Virginia are headed Georgia into the path of Hurricane Matthew.
Both Fairfax County in Virginia and Montgomery County in Maryland are sending their teams to help in the recovery from what is one of the biggest hurricanes Florida has seen in a while.
There are two task forces in Virginia and one in Maryland that have been called in to help.
Pete Piringer, spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue services, says “We’re blessed in Montgomery County. We’re well resourced, the national capital region is very robust in their response capabilities, so we’re in a good position to help.”
They activated Maryland Task Force One to go to Georgia. Incident Support Team members, from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, are already deployed to help and some more will be sent to Florida.
The Hazmat Equipment Push Pack located in Montgomery County has been activated as well, providing tractor-trailers, other materials, and hazmat technicians.
“Typically, a deployment will last 10-14 days, so the teams literally bring tractor trailers worth of equipment with them,” Piringer says. “They will have everything self sufficient, including lodging and food.”
He asks that as you pray for those affected by the storm you keep in mind Maryland and Virginia firefighters and first responders down there.
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(Photo: CNN)
