Tennessee Sends Swiftwater Rescue Team to Florida Ahead of Hurricane Helene

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) has deployed one Swiftwater Rescue Team, a component of Tennessee Task Force 2, to Florida under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). The team, consisting of highly trained professionals in swift water rescue, search and recovery, and medical response, will assist in ongoing preparations and respond to potential emergencies caused by the storm.

Hurricane Helene is expected to bring heavy rain, significant flooding, high winds, and dangerous storm surge to parts of Florida according to the National Weather Service.

“Our top priority is protecting lives, and we are proud use the EMAC network to support our coastal states in their time of need,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “With Hurricane Helene rapidly approaching, our team is prepared to act swiftly and effectively to help mitigate the storm’s impact and assist in rescue operations. I’m incredibly grateful for our local partners willingness to embody the volunteer spirit.”

The Swiftwater team consists of 17 personnel from Nashville Fire, Franklin Fire, and Williamson County Emergency Management Agency who will coordinate with Florida’s local agencies to provide immediate relief and recovery support once the storm makes landfall. By activating EMAC, TEMA aims to bolster Florida’s emergency response efforts and ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.

The impacts from Helene are expected in Tennessee as early as Thursday afternoon. TEMA continues to monitor the situation and stands ready to respond.

To learn more about Tennessee’s deployments through EMAC, the nation’s state-to-state mutual aid system, visit emacweb.org.

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About the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency: TEMA’s mission is to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery from man-made, natural and technological hazards in a professional and efficient manner in concert with our stakeholders. Follow TEMA on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and at tn.gov/tema.