NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In advance of the storm’s arrival, a team of Tennessee first responders has gone to Florida to help.
The Swiftwater Rescue Team is part of Tennessee Task Force 2 with personnel from several departments. Each member of the team plays a vital role.
Shallow water means high storm surge from Helene
“It’s a very physically and mentally demanding situation,” Jill Burgin with the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) told News 2.
Burgin is staying behind, but said that she would be keeping an eye on the first responders who are headed into the storm.
“These are folks that love to help out like this,” Burgin added. “It’s just part of who they are and they’re always ready to go.”
As of publication, hurricane Helene is headed towards Florida.
“The crew will get down to the panhandle area and then, based on the need there, they’ll be deployed to wherever they need to be,” Burgin explained. “But the water element is really the one I think they’re focused on with this group.”