- Resource to locked down communities with storm-related safety hazards
- Deploy equipment & skilled teams throughout USA
- Experienced response to wildfires, mudslides, tornadoes, floods, etc.
- Understand disaster zone demands when working with families & officials
- Non-profit specialized disaster response, provided free of charge
- Heavy debris removal expedites disaster site roadway access
- Water rescue & scouting in specialized Hovercraft
- Emergency power with industrial-grade generators
- Floodwater & debris extracted with industrial-grade water pumps
- Satellite communication systems coordinate emergency efforts
- Grapple trucks with hydraulic cranes
- Severe-duty CAT loaders
- Hovercraft for water rescues
- Satellite phones & laptops, GMRS shortwave radios & GPS coordinators
- Mechanical support truck: chain saws, torches, rigging devices, etc.
LATEST NEWS
CNN Heroes: Saving Haiti is airing this Weekend
Tune in this weekend to Anderson Cooper for CNN Heroes: Saving Haiti: An AC360 Special for coverage on the Team's work in Haiti. The program airs Friday night at 11pm, Saturday & Sunday at 8pm.
The Team Departs for Haiti on January 26, 2010
The Team is eager to get on the ground and help where we can. We were able to commission a second fleet of equipment, specifically designed for the needs of Haiti. We thank The Pete Store, Towmaster Trailers and Cleveland Brothers Caterpillar for their generous donations of equipment so that we can help where we are needed most.
Please check back to our website, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay up-to-date on the Team’s work in Haiti. We look forward to keeping in touch.
The Team Leaves Soon for Haiti (January 16, 2010)
When a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti, the First Response Team of America watched in awe as tens of thousands of people were killed and so many more displaced. The pain, confusion, sadness and despair are beyond what words can explain.
In the days immediately after the quake, the Team struggled with deciding whether or not responding to the needs of Haiti would jeopardize our commitment to respond to disasters in the United States. But at the end of the day, our focus is on humanity. And how could we turn our backs on such an epic disaster, so close to home, that has left a large portion of Haiti wondering if there will ever be another tomorrow. (more)
Where is the Team?
The Team is currently in Fredericktown, MO. On the morning of May 8th the city was struck by a derecho (a violent, straight-line wind storm). This same storm system swept through southeast Kansas and extended all the way through the Central Plains and into the Ohio River Valley. In addition to wind speeds which were reported up to 106 mph, the storm brought EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes as well as flash flooding. The wind uprooted trees and damaged thousands of homes, leaving many homeless.
Many have referred to this storm as an inland hurricane. Unlike many windstorms, this derecho left severe, widespread destruction over a large geographic area. With the assistance of the Team and a 277C Multi-Terrain Loader provided by Fabick Cat, roads and home sites are being cleared so that the community can begin rebuilding. The Team is working with regional and national humanitarian organizations and local authorities to assist as many people as time and resources permit.
-->The Team is currently in Mena, Arkansas, which was hit on April 9 by an EF-3 tornado. Three people were killed, and hundreds were left homeless. From what the Team can tell, this tornado was the most destructive yet of the 2009 storm season. The three-quarter-mile wide tornado traveled approximately 11 miles, completely destroying 300 homes and damaging 600 others.
Approximately 30 percent of community members had no homeowners insurance so the Team is working with local churches and other humanitarian organizations to identify those in greatest need of help in clearing their home sites. The Team is also using a Caterpillar 297 skid steer to clear local city parks so the children in the area have a safe place to play again.
The community of Mena has given our Team members a warm welcome and is offering them food and shelter during their stay. We are truly moved by the sincere appreciation and thankfulness of this community as we help them begin to rebuild their lives.
-->Want to help?
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In The News
America's First Response Team
The greatest hour of need many Americans face in their lifetime occurs in the immediate wake of a devastating natural disaster that destroys their home, their community and their way of life. Local emergency resources are often damaged by a disaster, and several critical days can pass before local authorities or federal agencies can begin to assess the damage and start the daunting tasks of restoring order and establishing rescue and recovery operations. People in desperate need are often stranded, alone and in danger.
The First Response Team of America deploys nationwide to assist communities in the first critical hours when safety is of premium importance. Armed with specialized equipment, communication technology and an experienced staff, we bring help and hope to our neighbors in need. (Explore more)
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