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.
-
Local organizations continue to bring holiday cheer to families in need
Local organizations are continuing to bring holiday cheer to families in need this holiday season, keeping their doors open to help make the season a little brighter
Nearly four decades of devotion: A look inside the home of a Colts superfan
Rick Stevens calls himself the "Colts Caveman," and one look at his Indianapolis home makes it clear why. Nearly every surface, including the walls and ceiling, is covered in Colts memorabilia.
Monroe County extends homeless camp eviction notice time from 7 to 30 days
Monroe County Commissioners decided during Thursday's meeting to extend the time unhoused people must leave county-owned land after a posted eviction notice from seven days to 30 days.
Safety concerns spark discussion over Lebanon’s e-bike regulations
E-bikes have surged in popularity in recent years. Lebanon officials say more riders are taking them onto public sidewalks, prompting concerns about safety and a push for new regulations.