Sit Rep 3: October 9, 2024, 2100 hours PT

Multiple resources are on the ground and though we are very familiar with how disaster preparedness, rescues, and recovery look like, from being an active volunteer in a local County EOC environment and Disaster SAR K9 dog unit, it is just as overwhelming to see how some appear to be self-dispatching. This post is all about those who are on the ground doing what they can to save lives.

Some resources seem to be bypassing the ICS system altogether. Since there is no “one” Command structure, we will try to pull together one single update as operational changes that may be happening throughout the day.

We will use “verified” Fire/Law Enforcement/Governmental and humanitarian organizations as our sources of intel.

South Trail Fire Protection & Rescue Service District (FL)

Photo Credit: STFP&RSD

This Fort Myers Fire agency states: With almost 134,000 without power in Lee County, the (Fire Agency) wants to remind those of the importance of using generators safely. Please keep them 20 feet from all homes, especially away from windows and doors. The exhaust is poisonous and deadly. Everyone using a generator should have a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector inside their living spaces. (10/9/2024 2042 PT / 2342 ET)

They will resume Fire Rescue and rescue operations once the conditions improve and wind speeds reduce helping first responders to safely work. They will be joining up with other Incident Cooperators to work collectively.

American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region (CA)

This humanitarian non-profit organization is supporting over 100 evacuation shelters in Florida, which had been established long before Hurricane Milton made landfall. Shelter Locator: redcross.org/shelters, download the Red Cross Emergency app or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Polk County Professional Firefighters – IAFF Local 3531 (FL)

As of 1922 hours PT / 0022 ET, all Fire Rescue Operations and responses have been suspended due to extremely high wind speeds and unsafe conditions for their members to safely operate. They are asking folks to remain indoors and off of roadways.

West Pierce Fire Fighters (WA)

Photo Credit: Pierce County

The Fire Agency has deployed three members have joined within ranks with the Washington State Task Force 1 (WA State TF-1). They were said to be assisting with Hurricane Helene and would assist with Milton if called upon to do so.

United Cajun Navy (LA)

The United Cajun Way is an American-recognized and registered non-profit organization based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana that provides SAR, Disaster Relief, and other services, which was formed in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA. In 2018, the organization formally became a 501(c)(3), as the group had significantly grown in size and stature. Its members are 100% volunteers and their Board of Directors and/or Administrative members do not receive any type of compensation for their time and services. Donations: https://unitedcajunnavy.org/

North Collier Fire District (FL)

We ask people to please stay off the roads and out of flooded areas. This continues to be a dangerous situation, especially in the dark. Power outages are beginning to increase throughout the area, as expected. Both FPL and LCEC are positioned to respond once weather permits. The County will have crews and damage assessment teams out tomorrow as soon as it is safe to travel. As recovery operations begin, please continue to monitor our social media pages for more instructions on debris handling, road closure updates, and other important safety information. (10/9/2024 2111 PT/10/10/2024 0011 ET)

Collier County Sheriff’s Office (FL)

Photo Credit: CCSO

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to not walk or drive through flood waters as unseen dangers are lurking beneath the murky water. (10/9/2024 1624 PT/ 10/10/2024 1924 ET)

We have seen images where residents are returning to their homes in Hurricane Helene finding their homes impacted by water and a few uninvited guests inside. These are misplaced wildlife with no place to go. (alligators and snakes).

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