NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York City's search and rescue team that lent a hand in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina is heading back to the Gulf Coast to help out after the wrath of Ida.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency activated the city's Urban Search and Rescue - New York Task Force 1 on Sunday.
The 83 members of the FDNY and NYPD are headed south by vehicle convoy for a 10 to 14-day deployment to help assist in the response and recovery efforts in hard-hit areas of Louisiana.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a Monday morning briefing that the unit will arrive in Baton Rouge on Monday evening along with six canines, four water rescue boats, three tractor trailers, eight vans, two box trucks, three pickup trucks, equipment to support rescues from collapsed structures and confined spaces, as well as hazmat equipment.
"Horrible situation down there," de Blasio said. "We always want to help those in need. We always want to help cities that have been through a lot like we have been through, and our fellow Americans everywhere, and everyone knows NYPD, FDNY have the best professionals in the entire country. We're getting them out there to help the people of Louisiana."
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FDNY Battalion Chief Joe Downey said this is a familiar task for the search and rescue team.
"We are a very experienced, knowledgeable team. We're well-trained. A lot of our work will probably be swift water operations, considering the surge, and obviously there will be downed trees. We do chainsaw operations," Downey said Sunday. "Basically, we can do everything. We're self-sufficient when we go out there, there are no needs. We have the equipment, we've got the manpower, we've got the food, we're all good."
All personnel have been tested for COVID-19 and will follow safety protocols.
Meanwhile, a caravan of 40 Con Edison crews also hit the road Monday morning to help victims of Hurricane Ida.
The crews will help restore overhead power lines and electric equipment, bringing supplies, vehicles and equipment to areas hit hard by the storm.
Eversource crews from Connecticut are also heading south to support the massive power restoration effort.
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