COLLEGE STATION – As the heavy rains moved out of Texas on Friday afternoon, members of Texas Task Force 1 have been demobilized and are on their way back to their jurisdictions this evening. TX-TF1 responded Thursday morning to a request by the Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the state’s multi-agency search and rescue response to potential flooding.

The deployment was a combined effort that included TX-TF1 and the Texas Military Forces. The response included helicopter rescue technicians working aboard UH-60 helicopters from the Texas Military Forces and six swiftwater rescue teams.

“This deployment was another chance for the state to work together and exercise the joint TX-TF1 and Texas Military Forces response capabilities,” TX-TF 1 Director Bob McKee said. “While it’s never a good thing when communities experience flooding, one positive to take away from this deployment is that the team members were able to use this deployment time to practice procedures, develop plans and discuss future training opportunities.”

This deployment was part of the State’s effort to preposition and assist jurisdictions during this heavy weather event. In addition to these specialized rescue teams, four TX-TF1 Liaison Officers are deployed to cities in Southeast Texas to assist and be available to advise local jurisdictions on matters of search and rescue as required.

Texans are reminded to monitor local media or NOAA Weather Radio during severe weather events for any statements and/or warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

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 FEMA national urban search and rescue system. Texas Task Force 1 and TEEX coordinate statewide requests for search and rescue.

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.

For More Information
Brian Smith
TX-TF1 Public Information Officer
979-450-0169

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