Lt. Gov. Brian Calley: Michigan first responders answering the call to help with hurricane response

Sept. 10, 2017

LANSING, Mich- Lt. Gov. Brian Calley today stressed that Michigan stands with US states and territories in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Michigan first responders have deployed to help local first responders deal with the aftermath of the recent and ongoing hurricanes that are impacting the South. The deployments are the result of requests made for out-of-state support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

“Michiganders stand with our fellow Americans dealing with the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. “Safety always needs to be the number one priority during emergencies and we are keeping everyone in the path of the storm in our thoughts. The American people come together during times like this and I’m extremely proud of the way our first responders are answering the call for help and deploying to help with relief efforts.”

Deployments from Michigan include:

• A swift water rescue task force of 45 firefighters and non-fire personnel trained in water rescues and searches deployed today from Holly, MI for Florida to help with rescue and relief efforts.
• The Michigan National Guard is deploying 1,000 guardsmen starting as early as Monday to assist with relief efforts in Florida using both air and ground crew personnel.
• Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) staff members deployed to Kansas and New Jersey to help with emergency coordination between states.
• National Guardsman also assisted with relief efforts in Houston following Hurricane Harvey.

“We have maintained daily contact with the affected State Emergency Operations Centers and EMAC Coordinators and will continue to be ready to answer the call for resources,” said Capt. Chris Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “I am confident our highly trained first responders will provide the utmost support in the response and recovery of this disaster.”

The EMAC is an all hazards/all disciplines mutual aid compact between the states to provide consistent and coordinated response to emergencies and disasters across the nation. The EMHSD is the single point of contact on behalf of the Governor for any EMAC requests.

On Friday, Calley also signed an executive directive waiving hour and fuel restrictions as well as weigh station rules for motor carriers providing assistance to states affected by hurricanes.