Governor Ivey Sends Additional Support to Texas to Help Hurricane Harvey Survivors

MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday authorized additional support personnel from Alabama to assist Texas in response to the devastation resulting from Hurricane Harvey. Texas has requested an Alabama Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC serves as the nation’s state to state mutual aid system.
“Earlier this week, I pledged that Alabama would stand ready when Texas called on us for support. Alabamians are always eager to help their fellow Americans in times of need,” Governor Ivey said. “I am confident our highly trained USAR team will represent the State of Alabama’s caring spirit as they provide much needed assistance in confronting the immense task at hand in Texas.”
The 14 member USAR team will deploy from Mobile. Their responsibilities will include the following: conduct search, rescue and recovery for humans and animals in swift-water; provide basic medical care; and transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transportation. This deployment is scheduled to last eight days unless amended.
Following Hurricane Harvey’s devastating impact, Governor Ivey on Monday authorized Alabama Adjutant General Sheryl Gordon to send two CH-47 Chinook Helicopters and two UH-60M medical aircraft, along with their respective crews, to assist in recovery efforts in Texas.
Individuals wanting to assist Hurricane Harvey survivors are encouraged to donate to a trusted charity of their choice, or they can learn more about how to help on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website or at governor.alabama.gov/helpfortexas.
 
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