LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Teams of rescuers and support personnel from Michigan are on the ground in South Carolina to help people and pets deal with the effects of Tropical Storm Debby. This multi-faceted effort highlights Michigan’s commitment to aiding other states in times of crisis, demonstrating a remarkable spirit of solidarity and expertise in disaster response.

One of the teams, Michigan Task Force 1 (MI-TF1) Type I Swiftwater Team, has been dispatched to South Carolina, diving into the aftermath of the state’s devastating weather events. After Debby made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday, warnings for tropical storms, flooding, and thunderstorms were issued. With the storm making landfall in the state again this morning and new thunderstorm warnings for the coming days, rescuers and relief workers face a daunting challenge.

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In response to the storms and flooding, South Carolina sent out an SOS for out-of-state aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

Task Force gears up for possible critical rescue missions in South Carolina.

As of Tuesday, MI-TF1 launched its 18-member crew, comprised of personnel from 10 different fire departments, to join forces with South Carolina and six other states in potential search and rescue operations. All 18 members are expected to stay anchored in South Carolina through August 15th.

“We are proud to answer the call for help from South Carolina,” Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD (Michigan State Police/ Emergency Management and Homeland Security), stated, adding “These are dangerous conditions, but we are confident in the abilities of Michigan Task Force 1. We wish them a safe and successful mission.”

This marks the third time in just over a year that Michigan has deployed MI-TF1 through EMAC requests, according to state police. Previously, the team was launched to tackle historic flooding in Texas in May and Vermont in July 2023.

EMAC: A lifeline for disaster-hit states

EMAC provides a framework for disaster-impacted states to quickly and efficiently receive assistance from other member states. All deployment costs are covered by the requesting state, ensuring a swift and effective response. EMAC members include all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Ready to dive in: mission details.

MI-TF1’s swift water rescue team will be tasked with water rescues and flood response operations. Their missions include rescuing trapped residents and motorists, and they’re even prepared to save small animals and pets.

Michigan Humane is also on the way.

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Michigan Humane is also sending a crew to South Carolina to help both people and pets in need. A spokesman talked about the effort saying, “Not only does it protect the pets, it protects human lives.” Cruelty Investigator Investigator Rafel Pouncy, who is making the trip, told Fox 2 Detroit that he’s excited to help.

They headed to South Carolina on Wednesday. Pouncy said, “We’re on our way to Columbia, South Carolina, to assist with emergency animal rescue and response. Once we arrive and connect with the command post, we’ll be ready for anything – from aiding local animal control to performing search and rescue operations, depending on the situation.”

The team is well-equipped for aquatic missions, bringing along two rescue boats, rigging gear, dry suits, and more.

Volunteer non-profit also lending a hand.

Michigan Humane isn’t alone in its efforts to help South Carolinians. Waterford Township nonprofit Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW) will be delivering a full trailer load of supplies from their Michigan warehouse to give out to victims in the effected area.

The supplies include buckets that will be distributed to the areas affected by the storm. These buckets contain essential items like tarps and cleaning supplies. DRAW representatives noted that they respond to an average of 12 natural disasters nationwide each year, providing much-needed supplies tailored to each specific disaster.

According to their press release, after a disaster hits, DRAW visits the site with the supplies that are immediately needed by the disaster victims, then assesses the damage and needs of the survivors to determine if either more supplies or a team to perform any volunteer services is needed.

G. Martin, DRAW Executive Director says, ”[It’s about] getting people emergency supplies that they need to help recover, clean up, and take their first steps back towards normalcy.”