FL-TF1 has received Activation Orders to deploy as a State of Florida asset to assist in response efforts following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The 96-person Type I US&R Team specializes in 12 areas, including command and control, technical search, structural assessment and stabilization, planning/technical information, advanced medical care including physicians and medical specialists, hazardous materials mitigation, tactical communications, logistics support, and safety and rescue specialists.

"Miami-Dade County stands at the ready to support communities across Florida that are being devastated by the arrival of Hurricane Ian," said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "We are proud to deploy the men and women of the Florida Task Force One - the heroes of the Surfside tragedy, and one of the finest search and rescue teams in the world - to help our neighbors in the aftermath of this storm. Just like Miami-Dade received a world of support after Hurricane Andrew hit us 30 years ago, it's our turn to support our fellow Floridians. We are praying for all those who have lost their homes or their livelihoods, and want them to know they are not alone."

“Our team is ready to assist our neighbors up north,” said MDFR Fire Chief Raied Jadallah. “FL-TF1 has the capabilities to provide the additional resources and expertise needed to support local response efforts. This is one of the biggest teams deployed to the area, and I am grateful we can lend a helping hand to all those affected by this devastating storm.”

FL-TF1’s mission is to respond to natural and man-made disasters by providing search and rescue support, medical support, communications, damage assessment, and coordinating the distribution of relief supplies. They have been deployed nationally and internationally for multiple disasters including the Oklahoma City bombing, World Trade Center collapse, Hurricane Katrina, earthquake responses in Colombia, Turkey, and Haiti, and, most recently, the building collapse in Surfside.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-814-8051.