VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - As Tropical Storm Ian threatens the Florida coast, a local group of first responders is getting ready to respond if called upon and drive more than 10 hours to bring supplies and equipment to Georgia, as Ian inches closer to the Florida coast.
45 members of Virginia Task Force 2 (VATF-2), part of the national Urban Search and Rescue System under FEMA, are scheduled to leave the Fire Training center in Virginia Beach at 4 p.m. Saturday.
"When there's a mission were ready and equipped to handle it" said Brian Sullivan, Virginia Task Force 2 member.
Virginia Beach firefighter Brian Sullivan has been part of Virginia Task Force 2 for more than 15 years. He said he's responded to several natural disasters.
"We have equipment for a structure collapse, for flooding, for wind damage, for large areas. We bring all of our equipment with us, were also self sustaining with food and water for up to 72 hours" said Sullivan.
That also includes communication equipment to the command staff who are working to organize search and rescue efforts. This involves supplies like phones, projectors, and computers that will help with tactical and strategic planning of relief operations. Sullivan also tells News 3 dogs will join them to help find people who are trapped.
"We're well prepared and well represented and we will do our best to help anybody and everybody we can" said Sullivan.
Sullivan said they will stay for 7-14 days but if they're needed longer they will not leave until the mission is complete.
VA Task Force 2 @VATF2 has been activated as a 45 Person Type 3 and 8 IST Cache task force in response to Hurricane Ian. They will be leaving at 4 p.m. today for Georgia from the Harry E. Diezel Training Center. @FEMA @VATF2 @FEMAregion3 @WAVY_News @WTKR3 @wvec13news
— VBFD (@VirginiaBeachFD) September 24, 2022
The organization tells News 3 responders will join Virginia Task Force 1 and Ohio Task Force 1 to stage in Georgia while the storm inches closer to the Florida coast. First responders will stage and await further orders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) White Incident Support Team.
Meanwhile, a cache of search and rescue equipment will be sent directly to Florida.
VATF-2 is one of 28 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams positioned across the country.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department is the sponsoring agency for VATF-2.
VATF-2 has conducted search and rescue operations in the aftermath of numerous disasters.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
