Texas Task Force 1 deploys seven swiftwater rescue teams

COLLEGE STATION – Texas Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) has deployed seven swiftwater rescue teams throughout Central Texas at the direction of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, to assist local responders following severe weather that dropped as much as 12 inches of rainfall on New Braunfels in several hours. TX-TF1 has also staged helicopter rescue technicians with two Texas Military Forces UH-60 helicopters, which are equipped with a special hoist and carry water rescue equipment.

These teams have been deployed to support ongoing swiftwater rescue operations across the state of Texas. As this large storm moves rapidly across Texas, some of the teams have been staged in advance of the storm in anticipation of additional flooding. Canine teams from TX-TF1 may also be deployed to assist in the search for missing persons if requested by local jurisdictions.

The National Weather Service predicts the system will move east and north before moving out of Texas by Friday afternoon. Texans are reminded to monitor local media or NOAA Weather Radio or the National Weather Service Web site www.nws.noaa.gov during severe weather events for any statements and/or warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Texans should remember that when they encounter water on a roadway, Turn Around, and Don’t Drown.

For more information:

Brian Smith

Texas Task Force 1 Public Information Officer

979-450-0169

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.