"As hurricanes wreak devastation along much of the Southeastern United States , we are stepping up to support response efforts for those in need," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "I am deploying the New York National Guard to protect Floridians in the path of Hurricane Milton — offering resources, assistance, and standing united with our neighbors in this time of crisis."
The New York National Guard members will deploy to Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Jacksonville . The New York Army National Guard will deploy 41 soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Syracuse and 10 Humvees to provide general-purpose support as required by circumstances. The soldiers will deploy to Florida on board a C-17 Globemaster III transport flown by the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.
The New York Air National Guard will deploy 24 pararescue airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing which is based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach on Long Island . The pararescue airmen are all trained EMTs who go through extensive training that involves parachuting, scuba diving and survival skills. The airmen will deploy with watercraft and specialized vehicles. They will deploy from Gabreski Air National Guard Base to Florida on board the wing's HC-130J search and rescue aircraft.
The New York National Guard contingent will be on the ground north of the hurricane's expected landfall before the storm hits.
In addition, National Grid is continuing to send specialists south to help with hurricane recovery efforts.
Since Sept. 28 , about 160 National Grid Upstate New York employees have been supporting restoration efforts after Hurricane Helene brought extensive damage in West Virginia , Tennessee , Virginia , North Carolina and Florida . With that work wrapping up, all crews will head to Florida to support Duke Energy.
"The anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton will likely require significant mutual aid. National Grid crews are answering that call. Our employees know the devastation large storms bring to communities and we appreciate our team's dedication as they continue to support areas of the country seeing multiple storms in these past few weeks," said Sally Librera, president, of National Grid New York. "Assisting peer energy delivery companies during a time of need is an important component of how the utility industry shows up for customers and their communities."
In addition, the company's New York team will be joined in Florida by 60 National Grid electric operation colleagues from Massachusetts who will be assisting Tampa Electric in storm preparation and response.
Back at home, the American Red Cross continues to work to restock critically needed blood products uncollected due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene's devastation. Donors outside of affected areas are encouraged to make an appointment to give now and help keep the blood supply stable in the weeks to come.
Since making landfall, the storm and its aftermath have led to the cancellation of more than 100 blood drives, causing thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. For so many people living with urgent medical care needs, blood transfusions are essential, and donations in the southeast are key to keeping the nationwide network stocked. The Red Cross operates through a national inventory with the ability to move blood wherever and whenever it is needed most.
© 2024 the Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, N.Y.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
