Manassas Journal Messenger | Fire, Rescue staffers head to Gulf Coast
Two Prince William County Fire and Rescue employees were accepted Friday by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for deployment to the Gulf Coast states affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Tech II Amy Allison and Capt. Dale McCleese were expected to leave Ronald Reagan National Airport at 10 a.m. today, said a Prince William County press release.
Prince William Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Kevin McGee said McCleese and Allison will do community relations work during their deployment.
They will assist victims with the process of getting federal assistance, distribute information, provide minimal first aid and take reports.
In order to be accepted for deployment by FEMA, people must meet agency fitness requirements, be able to be deployed for 30 days and be capable of living under hardship conditions, McGee said.
The county is prepared to send additional teams if needed McGee said.
The county coordinates with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management during times of disaster and sends emergency workers at the request of the department, the release said.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management sends emergency personnel once they receive official requests from the states affected by the disaster, the release said.
The protocol creates an organized response and allows the county to be reimbursed by the FEMA, the release said.
For mor information on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management or to find out to help with relief efforts, visit http://www.vaemer gency.com