MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Robert Bentley approved the deployment of emergency management personnel Monday to assist South Carolina in their response to the state’s extreme flooding conditions.
The Alabamian first responders will be working closely with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division staff to provide much needed assistance to their citizens. 10 to 15 Alabama personnel will be sent to assist primarily with damage assessments, with the possibility of staying in South Carolina for up to 15 days.
“During natural disasters, Alabamians have always stepped up and helped citizens in need,” Governor Robert Bentley said. Bentley also tweeted the news, saying that Alabama is ready to help our “neighbors” with the extreme flooding response.
With the extreme flooding in South Carolina, I have ordered deployment of AL emergency management personnel to help South Carolina respond.
— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) October 5, 2015
We stand ready to help our South Carolina neighbors in need with any resource that is needed.
— Gov. Robert Bentley (@GovernorBentley) October 5, 2015
The deployment of EMA personnel is possible through Alabama’s membership with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), but the Alabama EMA has stressed it is more than willing to help South Carolina respond to the flooding.
“Anytime Alabama is not impacted we should be ready and willing to assist other states.” said Alabama EMA Director Art Faulkner said. “I am confident the staff deployed through EMAC to help these other states are as well trained and capable as any in the country. This deployment will also better prepare them for the next disaster we face here at home.”
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