COLUMBIA - Governor Henry McMaster announced today that South Carolina State Fire’s Palmetto Incident Support Team (IST) has deployed to Hawaii to assist with emergency preparedness efforts ahead of potential impacts from Hurricane Lala.
While deployed, IST members will augment the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Center, providing additional support as officials prepare for the potential impacts of the storm.
“When our neighbors are facing the threat of a hurricane, South Carolina stands ready to help, just as others have done for us in times of disaster,” said Gov. McMaster. “Our state remains committed to providing assistance where it is needed while maintaining the resources and capabilities necessary to respond here at home should South Carolina face a hurricane or other significant weather event.”
The deployment was coordinated by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at the request of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.
The mission is being carried out through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation's mutual aid system that enables states to share personnel, equipment, and resources during emergencies. EMAC allows states to quickly provide assistance to one another in support of disaster response and recovery efforts.