Delaware Guard preparing for Hurricane IRENE -- August 24, 2011
WILMINGTON, Delaware -- The Delaware National Guard is preparing to support the state in response to Hurricane Irene. The Delaware National Guard will work with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency to provide up to 200 Guardsmen if authorized by the governor. About 75 vehicles have been identified and are positioned and prepared. The Delaware Army National Guard has filled and tested its potable water tankers.
The Delaware Air Guard plans to evacuate its seven C-130 aircraft to Ohio and the Delaware Army National Guard plans to evacuate its five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to Pennsylvania.
The Delaware National Guard works in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency to assist local and state agencies in protecting the citizens and property of the First State. The Guard is typically tasked with providing transportation support, especially for dialysis patients; fire and Emergency Medical Service support; and law enforcement support. The Guard can also provide assistance in debris removal and providing potable water when requested by DEMA.
The Guard is fully prepared to assist DEMA and all law enforcement and rescue agencies in keeping Delawareans safe during this storm.
The Delaware National Guard is prepared to provide 200 personnel within hours of request by the governor and the DEMA director. Up to 500 personnel can be called upon after 48 hours.
Members of the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 166th Medical Group are notifying selected medical personnel in case they are needed to?
assist in the evacuation of citizens in Delaware or if called upon by governors of other states if they request help via a state-to-state Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Highly-Mobile-Multi-Wheeled-Vehicles and larger trucks, Medium Tactical Vehicles, can be used to ford up to four feet of water and evacuate citizens.
Media contact: Delaware National Guard State Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Len Gratteri, mobile 302-540-0134.
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Delaware National Guard
First Regiment Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
Staff Sgt. James Pernol
101st Public Affairs NCO
(302) 326-7194