To all those trying to self deploy to help those in need…
I want to start by acknowledging the dedication and eagerness many of you have to assist with the current disaster in North Carolina. Your willingness to help in these difficult times is truly appreciated. However, it’s critical to address an important issue: self-deployment is not acceptable under any circumstances.
While the desire to help is strong, self-deploying to the affected areas can have serious and dangerous consequences. The situation in North Carolina is extremely hazardous, with unstable terrain, contamination, and unpredictable conditions that require specialized equipment and training—especially in the mountainous regions. Unfortunately, not everyone has the necessary tools or experience for those particular conditions.
Self-deploying not only puts you at risk but also disrupts organized rescue operations. Multiple reports have been made of individuals getting lost or injured and then needing to be rescued themselves, diverting critical resources away from those who live in the area and are in desperate need of help.
It can be frustrating not to be called immediately to assist, but these efforts will continue for months. Your time to contribute will come; when it does, the need for skilled, well-prepared teams will be greater than ever. Please be patient and wait for official deployment through the proper channels.
Please be cautious and avoid anyone who claims to be a SAR team member or canine handler if they are self-deploying. No professional SAR team or handler would self-deploy, as it goes against the principles of safety and teamwork. Any true SAR professional would face serious consequences for such actions within their own team.
Help will be needed for a long time to come.
There are usually approximately 3 FEMA teams sent per disaster. There have been more than 22 teams sent and local urban teams (like mine) are on standby. It is hard grueling work. Mentally and physically exhausting and they have to account for the rescue personnel as well. Thousands are still missing.
