by Frank Conklin, The Chicago Times
August 31, 2021
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that a 46-member Urban Search and Rescue Team, as well as the necessary mission equipment, will deploy to Louisiana to assist with water rescues caused by Hurricane Ida’s flash flooding and dangerous storm surges.
Urban Search and Rescue teams collaborate with local rescuers to conduct search, rescue, and recovery missions in flooded areas. The team can provide on-the-spot emergency medical care, emergency transportation for medical necessities, and assistance with helicopter rescue operations in water environments.
The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement that allows states to request assistance from other states during emergencies, coordinates assistance requests.
The MABAS team will depart from Wheeling on Monday morning after receiving event identification, mission and safety briefings, and mobilization assistance. This process ensures the accountability and readiness of personnel and state assets prior to departure.
Frank Conklin, Illinois Political Columnist for The Chicago Times. Views and comments expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Chicago Times.
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