Indiana Task Force 1 activated as Hurricane Ian moves toward U.S. coast

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.

“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.