Just a week after Hurricane Irma slammed into Florida and the Caribbean, Hurricane Maria picked up speed and took aim at the same area. While some Task Forces had demobilized, several remained, sheltering in place so they could quickly help local communities as the storm passed.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017 – 4:30 PM LOCAL TIME
As images and video of widespread destruction pour in via social media and news outlets, additional resources have been deployed to assist in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Four more SDF-trained Search Teams have responded as part of this second wave of urban search and rescue Task Forces deployed by FEMA to help Puerto Rico deal with the destruction of the storm.
The total roster of SDF-trained Canine Disaster Search Teams now deployed are:
California Task Force 2 (Los Angeles County)
California Task Force 7 (Sacramento)
Virginia Task Force 1 (Fairfax County)
SEPTEMBER 2o, 2017 – 6:30 AM LOCAL TIME
SDF Search Team Kristi Bartlett & Ivan remain in Puerto Rico, staging for Hurricane Maria, as part of Virginia Task Force 1, following their initial deployment in response to Hurricane Irma. The current storm is hitting the island and surrounding areas in the Caribbean, the same region still reeling from Hurricane Irma's powerful punch just over a week ago.
The Task Force is prepared to weather the storm and begin any needed rescue operations after the skies clear a bit. We will continue to bring you updates when possible as this deployment unfolds.