How Colorado’s Task Force One is Helping with Recent Hurricanes
In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a search and rescue task force of 45 Coloradans traveled to Florida and North Carolina to assist in recovery operations.
Colorado's Task Force is one of 28 FEMA search and rescue teams. It's made up of first responders from 17 different Colorado agencies, including Poudre, Greeley, Adams County, and Loveland. Civilians, firefighters, structural engineers, and K9 handlers are also a part of the skilled, experienced, and highly-trained team.
Now, with the anticipated landfall of Category 5 Hurricane Milton later this week, CO-TF1 has been deployed to Orlando to help rescue initiatives. They will be joining six other FEMA urban search and rescue teams that are already in place.
Part of this work involves combing through destroyed structures and debris piles to locate entrapped and missing people. According to 7 News Miami, team members are equipped with supplies to operate self-sustained for at least two weeks. This includes food and hygiene products.
The intense storm is expected to make landfall late Wednesday. With it comes predicted winds of up to 180 miles per hour and dangerous surges. Milton could severely damage Florida's west coast, as well as other states in the southern part of the country and along the Gulf.
Colorado's task force usually stays for two weeks when dispatched to an area, but the timeframe could be extended.
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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF