A team of five employees from the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) deployed to Florida on Wednesday, October 9, to assist with response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton.

“These emergency management professionals from New Hampshire will provide much-needed relief and support to the teams in Florida already working around the clock,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “In addition to these individuals and members of the New Hampshire National Guard who have deployed, we stand ready to offer any assistance possible to the communities affected by Hurricane Milton. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with our partners. Our prayers are with Florida.”

The deployment is part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national agreement that facilitates disaster relief when a governor declares a state of emergency. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management made the request to other states’ emergency management agencies for an emergency operations center support team on October 5. These requests can include equipment, personnel, or goods.

“The dedication of our public safety professionals knows no bounds,” said New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. “This deployment reaffirms our commitment to solidarity and service. I wish our team a safe journey and thank them for their willingness to help those in need.”

The employees will spend two weeks assisting in emergency operations centers.

“Our agency is committed to helping others during times of crisis,” said HSEM Director Robert Buxton. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support our partners and friends in Florida, and we look forward to bringing back any lessons learned to improve our response efforts in New Hampshire.”

A team from the New Hampshire National Guard also deployed earlier this week. For inquiries regarding that team, please contact Lt. Col. Gregory Heilshorn at gregory.d.heilshorn.mil@army.mil.