Texas Task Force 1 deploys helicopter rescue technicians

Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) has deployed nine helicopter rescue technicians in advance of continued heavy rain expected across Central Texas and the coastline over the weekend.

These technicians will be located with Texas Military Forces helicopters in Austin and San Antonio.

The National Weather Service predicts the possibility of heavy rain along much of the upper coast of Texas stretching to the Interstate 35 corridor from San Antonio to Austin. The helicopter squads will be on stand-by, awaiting requests by local jurisdictions should they experience flash flooding.

The Texas Military Forces UH-60 helicopters are equipped with special hoists and carry water rescue equipment to be utilized by the TX-TF1 members. TX-TF1 rescue specialists have conducted joint training with the Texas Military Forces throughout the summer in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season.

Additional search and rescue resources are available to local jurisdictions, if requested. Nine swiftwater rescue teams with boats are on alert across the state.

Texans are reminded to monitor their local media, NOAA Weather Radio or the National Weather Service Web site www.nws.noaa.gov during severe weather events for any official statements and/or warnings.

Flash Flood Facts
As little as six inches of water moving across a roadway can begin to move your vehicle. Swiftwater has a different effect on vehicles than standing water. Twelve to 24 inches of swiftwater can sweep away any type of vehicle, even a large truck or SUV.

About Texas Task Force 1
Texas Task Force 1 is sponsored by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and is comprised of more than 450 personnel representing more than 60 jurisdictions and agencies from across the state of Texas, and is one of 28 teams in the national urban search and rescue system under FEMA. Texas Task Force 1 and TEEX coordinate statewide requests for search and rescue. TEEX and the Task Force are headquartered in College Station.

About the Texas Engineering Extension Service
TEEX, a member of The Texas A&M University System, offers hands-on, customized, first-responder training, homeland security exercises, technical assistance and technology transfer services impacting Texas and beyond. TEEX programs include fire services, homeland security, law enforcement, public works, safety and health, search and rescue, and economic development.