Second Miami Fire Rescue Search And Rescue Team Sent To Carolinas

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBS4Miami) — As Hurricane Florence heads towards the Carolinas, FEMA requested reinforcements from South Florida.

Wednesday morning, 80 men and women packed heavy for what may be a long trip. They took rescue dog, boats, food, two-by-fours and extra clothing to the Carolinas.

Ignatius Carroll with Miami Fire Rescue said it allows them to be self-sufficient for about two weeks.

The crew that deployed Wednesday was the second sent from Miami this week. City of Miami Task Force 2 deployed a swift water rescue team to Columbia, South Carolina on Monday along with Florida Power and Light and another team from Miami-Dade.

"Every time we respond, there are lessons learned, there is new equipment and new technology that we acquire that allows us to be more efficient and more effective at our job," Carroll said.

Miami Fire Rescue said their preparation does not compare to the hours of training they go through during the year.

"They also try to create different scenarios that they'll have to respond to," Carroll said.

With dozens of search and rescue members headed North, fire rescue said they do not want Floridians to feel they are being left alone.

Another search and rescue team is staying behind.

"We will not leave South Florida families without response capabilities, without a search and rescue team," Carroll said.

Six specialists from Fort Lauderdale joined the Miami team on their trip Wednesday morning.

The Salvation Army posted pictures on social media showing Broward and Miami-Dade's mobile feeding units. They are sending them to the Carolinas and are prepared to serve hundreds of meals to everyone impacted by the storm.