Ten Idahoans are heading to the Florida panhandle Wednesday to assist with recovery efforts following widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Michael that made landfall October 10, 2018.
The ten individuals are part of an All Hazards Incident Management Team whose duties will include logistics, public information, incident command, operations, and plans. The team members are from the Idaho Falls Police and Fire Departments, Jefferson County Emergency Management, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department, and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management.
“In times of national distress or regional disaster, Americans do what we always do, we reach out to those who need help,” said Governor Otter. “The people of the state of Florida need our help now, and they shall get it. I am very proud that Idaho State and local governments are sending our folks to assist many of the people in Florida who are suffering in the aftermath of this devastating storm.”
The team will proceed to Bay County Florida for their mission and is expected to be managing a shelter base camp for first responders, of roughly 1,000 people in the Panama City area.
Under the EMAC mutual aid agreement, Idaho personnel are paid for their time and service by the requesting state, in this case, the State of Florida. The deployments are expected to last two weeks.
Sixteen states are sending staff to assist with disaster recovery efforts in Florida.
