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Hogan Authorizes 2 National Guard Helicopters To Assist North Carolina

September 14th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Gov. Larry Hogan has authorized the deployment of two Maryland Army National Guard helicopters to assist North Carolina in Hurricane Florence rescue efforts.

Additionally, Hogan announced the opening of two shelters for those seeking to wait out the storm, including evacuees from states to the south.

"As coastal states feel the impact of Hurricane Florence, we are working to ensure that any travelers, evacuees, or Maryland residents seeking shelter have a safe place to stay during the storm, and we also stand ready to assist other states,” Hogan said in a statement.

Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina on Friday morning.

The two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters carry the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team. Aboard are eight crew members and three maintainers from the National Guard, and helicopter search and rescue technicians from Baltimore, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties.

The team will be able to assist in resucing people from stranded vehicles and homes, as well as confined areas, mountain wilderness and swift water rescue. The team members are also trained in disaster assessment.

The crew will leave Sunday to assist in the recovery effort. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency will coordinate the state's response and provide further support to other states under an interstate compact. MEMA is already sending a damage assessment team leader to South Carolina.

The two per-friendly shelters for Marylanders or others affected by the storm are opening up at the University of Maryland's Ritchie Coliseum (7650 Baltimore Ave., College Park) and the Health Professions and Athletics Center at Chesapeake College (1000 College Circle, Wye Mills).

Maryland remains under a state of emergency, as the remnants of Florence are on track to bring rain to parts of the state early next week.

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