Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb has authorized the deployment of an Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to Florida in response to Hurricane Irma, which made landfall in Florida over the weekend. The hurricane caused extensive flooding and property damage in communities throughout the state.
The eight-person team deployed to Tallahassee, Fla., on Monday, September 11.
“Indiana was proud to help the state of Texas in its time of need, and we are happy to provide assistance to Florida, as well,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The devastation of this hurricane weighs heavily on all of us. Hoosiers who are deploying to Florida to help those in need have my extreme gratitude.”
The Indiana team will provide support with operations, planning, logistics, incident command and other duties as assigned. The team will be deployed for 14 days, or until demobilized.
The team includes personnel from IDHS, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana University and the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency.
Indiana first responders and emergency management professionals frequently work and train with colleagues in other states to share resources and expertise. Most recently, Indiana sent two swift water rescue teams and an additional support team to Texas to assist Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Indiana also sent an EOC team to Florida in October 2016 in response to Hurricane Matthew.
Follow the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for updates at facebook.com/IndianaDHS or twitter.com/IDHS.
