Local first responders providing help for victims of Hurricane Harvey
The nation is coming together in a number of ways to show their support for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Here in the valley, first responders from Riverside County / Cal Fire are joining the relief efforts by making a 20-hour drive out to the areas of impact.
Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mark Brooks said these rescue crews have logged hundreds of hours during real-life rescue missions and even more during training.
“We’re ready at the drop of a dime to go basically anywhere in the country, or the world, if necessary” – Battalion Chief Mark Brooks
The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey is leading to a demand for help from rescue crews from all over the nation.
Federal officials have requested the assistance of all 28 task forces, including Team Six out of Riverside County. One member from Indio Fire Station 86 and a second from Palm Desert Station 33.
The crew left to Texas late Sunday night.
“They’re prepared for a 14-day deployment. They’re going out there with their boats and everything that they need to be self-sufficient out there. The state of Texas will support them out there with food and everything else they may need.” Brooks said.
Cal Fire is prepared to send even more crews out. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has all hands on deck. Brian Daly lives in Rancho Mirage and was sent to Texas Friday. Originally billed to land in Houston, the relentless weather has kept him in Dallas, preparing shelters for those left homeless.
“It’s a whole mixture of emotion, you’ve got the wonderful spirit of people trying to help who are volunteers and staff, and local people showing up with toys for the kids,” Daly said. “Then you might have a couple whose distraught knowing they’ve lost everything, but the clothes on their back, and thankfully their children with them.”
So far, the red cross has sheltered 6,000 people and they’re prepared for as many as 50,000.
“This is one of the highest level disasters the red cross has ever experienced and this, this, is big. I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced anything like this.”
If weather permits, Daly will be in Houston Tuesday.
“The city is pretty much underwater, it’s the 4th largest city in the country. It’s kind of hard to comprehend how many people are affected, my biggest hope is that there’s not much of a loss of life,” Daly said. “While we may lose property, that can be replaced. I hope I can make a difference and do what I need to do to support my team, it’s a wonderful collaboration and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
The American Medical Response team has also deployed 11 paramedics and EMT’s. Three of those employees from their Palm Springs operations, a second team is also on stand by an additional 2 EMT’s also from Palm Springs.
