Hillsborough County first responders show tools, equipment to help people during hurricanes
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla., (WFLA) – Hillsborough County is reviewing plans and safety measures to keep you safe during this year's hurricane season.
The start of the season begins on June 1.
First responders spent Thursday morning going over different tools, equipment, and technology they have to respond to people in need.
The county is pulling out all of the stops to be able to respond to any call.
With all of the flooding the County saw last year, they purchased four SHERP vehicles, which they said is a game changer.
'They can go high terrain, low terrain, they can go through the water,' said Battalion Chief Rodney Castro.
The vehicles arrived just before Hurricane Milton hit.
'They are a tremendous asset, we had one big evacuation last year in the USF area, we were able to use the SHERPS, 5 of our marine units, and 6 of our T-SAR teams. We were there for about an hour, and we pulled close to 220 people out of an ALF facility,' Castro said.
These deep-water vehicles are not the only tool in their toolbox, they also have things like rescue boats, jet skis, and special blankets to help put out an electric vehicle fire.
'Once we saw several vehicle fires like that, we were able to purchase them between storms. We realized there was a need for them,' said Battalion Chief Dave Bute.
When electric vehicles mix with salt water, it becomes very dangerous.
'As the battery cells burn, they kind of catch other cells on fire in a domino effect. This issue is when they keep burning, they just keep getting hotter, hotter, and hotter. So, it's very difficult to put that out with water,' Bute said.
The County is getting prepared, and they said people need to also, by having their emergency kits packed, a plan in place, and evacuating early.
Another thing first responders said is essential for safety is knowing which evacuation zone you are in. All you have to do is click this link and type in your address.
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