Montgomery, AL – Last week, Governor Kay Ivey announced the deployment of Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) workers and Alabama National Guard (ALNG) personnel to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts in Florida and North Carolina, following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene.
“As many of our neighboring states continue recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Alabama is stepping up to offer our help in any way we can,” said Governor Ivey. “Alabama is a state where neighbors help neighbors in our own times of need, and we are proud to do exactly that for the states impacted by these merciless storms.”
ALDOT has deployed an 18-person crew, all from the Fayette area in the West Central Region, to aid in clearing Florida’s roadways of hurricane debris. The team is set to arrive in Gainesville on Saturday, October 12, where they will work in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The Alabama team will be utilizing FDOT’s equipment during their deployment, which is expected to last up to 10 days. ALDOT has indicated they are prepared to send additional crews if needed.
In addition to transportation support, Alabama is sending a 9-person public health team from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to North Carolina to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Helene. This team will be working in mass care shelters, providing nursing services and other public health support to the affected communities.
Governor Ivey has also deployed a 57-person Type III Urban Search and Rescue Task Force to Florida to support ongoing recovery efforts from both hurricanes. Additionally, the governor has activated more Alabama National Guard personnel to assist in North Carolina. Among those deployed is a 16-person team from the 20th Special Forces Group, tasked with conducting multi-role operations in remote areas. This follows an earlier deployment of a 13-person Fatality Search and Recovery Team to North Carolina.
Governor Ivey emphasized Alabama’s ongoing readiness to provide assistance to neighboring states as the Atlantic hurricane season continues through the end of November. “Alabamians do not hesitate to lend help when our neighbors are in need. I am proud we have the Alabama National Guard and first responders supporting the efforts in both North Carolina and Florida,” she said.
The governor concluded with a message of support, stating, “I pray for the safety of our Alabama Guard, first responders, linemen, and other volunteers, and I pray for all the states recovering from these devastating hurricanes.” Alabama remains prepared to provide further aid as necessary.
