NEW ORLEANS — On Monday, Louisiana Task Force One commenced its deployment in preparation for Hurricane Milton. The team, consisting of 23 members, includes EMS personnel from New Orleans and firefighters from various regions, including St. Bernard, Hammond, Lafourche, and Kenner.
Kenner Fire Chief Terence Morris stated that four firefighters from Kenner are part of the task force. We’re sending guys trained in water rescue, structural collapse, trench rescue, and urban search and rescue, he explained.
The crew will be stationed at the Orlando Convention Center, ready to assist once the storm passes. Morris emphasized the diverse threats posed by hurricanes, including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, flooding, and structural collapses. “We have to send members that are trained in a lot of different areas, he noted.
Additionally, another task force recently returned from aiding Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has deployed nearly 100 personnel to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia following Helene, with another 77 now being sent to Florida.
The United Cajun Navy is also on the ground in the aftermath of Helene and plans to assist with Hurricane Milton’s recovery efforts.
Morris indicated that the mission is expected to last 10 days, but the team is prepared to extend their assistance if necessary. “Hopefully, it’s not significant damage to that area, he added.