Search & Rescue Missions Continue: ‘I’m In Complete Awe Of These Heroes’
FLORIDA (FLV) – As Hurricane Ian relief efforts continue across Florida, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis says Urban Search & Rescue teams have completed over 3,100 structural assessments and had over 220 interactions with people impacted in southwest Florida.
“I’m in complete awe of these heroes. God sent us angels,” Patronis tweeted on Friday.
Patronis says they are working with federal partners to add a few hundred more Urban Search and Rescue personnel from other states to the response effort – totaling over 850 team members. Counting other assets, there are over 1,000 fire rescue personnel working recovery efforts.
Gov. Ron DeSantis provided an update on recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian on Friday morning, reporting that 15% of power has been restored and almost 2 million people are without power.
Officials are conducting multiple rounds of searches for survivors in affected areas. Search and rescue teams were deployed Thursday morning to begin life-saving missions on the barrier islands in southwest Florida.
“Long days are ahead, but we’ll keep at it until the mission is complete,” said Patronis.
FEMA Support
If you need help with recovery in affected counties, call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to be connected with the individual assistance program.
Volunteer
If you would like to volunteer, visit volunteerflorida.org to find opportunities.
