MI-TF1 EMAC response to South Carolina Tropical Storm Debby
In the wake of Hurricane Debby, South Carolina experienced torrential rains as the system moved north and east after making landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida. The slow-moving system was expected to drop up to 18”-20” of rain in parts of South Carolina over several days. Based on predictions and current conditions, South Carolina pushed out EMAC requests for Type 1 Swiftwater/Floodwater Rescue Teams. With the assistance of MSP EMHSD, MI-TF1 quickly submitted an offer of assistance, which was accepted. The team deployed on Aug 6th, enroute to our designated check-in location at the SC State Fire Academy in Columbia, SC. After check-in and an operations briefing, the team was assigned to Marion County and worked directly under the Walker County Emergency Manager for the duration of the deployment.
The team assisted with the evacuation of the county animal shelter, performed welfare checks in flooded areas with residents who sheltered in place, rescued several pets from flooded neighborhoods, and developed a multi-agency wide area search plan for anticipated flood zones along the Pee Dee and Little Pee Dee Rivers in Marion County. The team also provided “just in time” hands-on training for operating in floodwater with local National Guard units assigned to assist with their high-profile vehicles, LMTVs, during rescues or evacuations. The Type 1 Swiftwater/Floodwater team was demobilized and arrived back at their home base in Holly, MI on August 12.
