TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Now that the storm has been upgraded, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has activated seven out of eight Emergency Support Functions 4 & 9 (ESF 4&9) State of Florida, Search and Rescue task forces in preparation for Hurricane Michael’s landfall. CFO Patronis’ Division of State Fire Marshal is the lead agency for this activation.

 

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “These teams are highly trained to assist Floridians in the aftermath of a storm, but it’s critical that we prepare now since there is no time to waste.”

 

These teams are the primary response units that are immediately deployed to provide assistance to communities that have been impacted by a natural or man-made disaster. The teams are comprised of Florida firefighters and first responders. Collectively, these task forces have the ability to provide assets and resources including but not limited to swift water rescue, search and rescue, HAZMAT support, medical support, and satellite communications capabilities.

 

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis’ Division of State Fire Marshal is the lead agency overseeing two Emergency Support Functions (ESF) at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) during a disaster or state emergency.