Hurricane Milton Search-and-Rescue Crews Ready to Go ‘House to House’ in Florida

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, over 1,400 urban search-and-rescue crew members and more than 100 swift-water rescue boats have been stationed across the state, prepared for rapid deployment once the storm hits. These rescue teams, drawn from more than a dozen states including California and Washington, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, are “waiting it out” to begin immediate operations post-landfall, according to State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

Extensive Search-and-Rescue Operations Staged Ahead of Milton

Milton, a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of about 120 mph, is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area, bringing catastrophic storm surges. This region has already been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread destruction in late September. Patronis emphasized that rescue teams, which include trauma surgeons, structural engineers, and search-and-rescue dogs, are ready to cover every corner of the state. “They will go from house to house in those areas that are most heavily affected,” he said.

Hurricane Milton Set to Disrupt Power and Services

Milton’s imminent landfall comes nearly six years after Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s Panhandle as a Category 5 storm. As Milton barrels toward the state, federal and state officials are warning of widespread power outages, and disruptions to water, cellular, and sewer services, particularly in heavily populated areas like Tampa Bay. Millions of Floridians on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts have been ordered to evacuate. President Joe Biden addressed the nation, warning that even though Milton has weakened slightly, it remains one of the most destructive hurricanes to strike Florida in over a century. “No one should be confused. It’s still expected to be one of the most and worst destructive hurricanes to hit Florida,” Biden cautioned.

Federal and State Agencies Poised for Post-Storm Recovery

In response to the impending disaster, President Biden assured Floridians that the federal government is fully prepared to support the state’s recovery efforts. “To the people of Florida and all the impacted states, we’ve got your back,” he said, emphasizing that both he and Vice President Kamala Harris would ensure long-term support for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell also reassured the public, stating, “The entire federal family is leaning forward for Milton’s response… FEMA is ready.” Criswell traveled to Florida to oversee federal aid efforts, highlighting the seriousness of Milton’s expected impact.

Caution for Property Owners After the Storm

Amid preparations for rescue and recovery, Patronis also warned Floridians to be cautious of predatory practices that often surface in the aftermath of hurricanes. He advised homeowners to be wary of “bad actors” and aggressive contractors attempting to exploit vulnerable storm victims. Patronis stressed that there is no need to sign any agreements for insurance claims, urging residents to proceed with caution to avoid scams.