(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 12, 2008 ) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three (3) Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) task forces from California has been deployed to the Gulf Coast region to assist in the response to Hurricane Ike. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is dispatching these US&R task forces to assist in any life-saving operations that may be needed as a result of the storm. California Task Forces 1, 4 and 5, based in Los Angeles, Oakland and Orange County respectfully, now join an additional six other US&R task forces being deployed from throughout the nation.

Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) task forces are packaged in two configurations. A Type I team is comprised of approximately 80 personnel for heavy urban search and rescue operations. A Type III team is approximately 36 personnel, designed for rapid operations in light weight construction. Both teams are comprised of specialists in the fields of search (both technical and canine), rescue, medical, hazmat, logistics and planning. When operational, each task force may be divided into two 30+ member teams, which allows for the rotation and relief of personnel for round-the-clock search and rescue operations. FEMA establishes policy and coordinates the 28 US&R teams strategically located throughout the United States.

US&R task forces have responded to numerous large-scale disasters including the Northridge earthquake in 1994 and the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in 2001. US&R teams have also been mobilized to respond to numerous hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region.

For further information regarding the US&R task forces or other FEMA assets being deployed to the Gulf Coast, contact the FEMA Office of Public Affairs (OPA) at 202-646-4600 or visit our website at www.fema.gov.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.



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