The Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, also known as MD-HART, is heading to North Carolina to help save people trapped by floodwaters from Florence.
MD-HART consists of two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with eight crew members, three maintainers from the Maryland Army National Guard and helicopter search and rescue technicians from Baltimore, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties.
“As coastal states feel the impact of Hurricane Florence, we are working to ensure that any travelers, evacuees, or Maryland residents seeking shelter have a safe place to stay during the storm, and we also stand ready to assist other states,” said Governor Hogan.
“This elite team is an excellent example of our state and counties working together to provide support to those in need, and we are proud to have the capability to send the MD-HART to North Carolina.”
MD-HART is able to support a number of missions including car rescues in swift water flood zones, structure rescues from rooftops and confined areas, rescues through windows, balconies and doors as well as tree rescue/extrication.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is also sending a Damage Assessment Team Leader to South Carolina.
Hogan is also opening two, pet-friendly shelters for anyone seeking a safe space in the aftermath of Florence.
The two locations are:
University of Maryland College Park (Ritchie Coliseum) 7950 Baltimore Avenue College Park, MD 20740
Chesapeake College Health Professions and Athletics Center 1000 College Circle Wye Mills, MD 21679
Anyone who has questions about the shelters or needs disaster-related help, call 1-888-756-7836.
