Manatee County Search & Rescue Adds Second High-Water Rescue Vehicle
Manatee County Search & Rescue has placed a second high-water rescue vehicle into service, expanding the nonprofit organization’s ability to respond to hurricanes, flooding and other disasters across the area.
The new LMTV 2 joins the organization’s first Light Medium Tactical Vehicle as Manatee County Search & Rescue prepares for the busiest portion of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The specialized vehicles are staffed by trained rescue technicians and are designed to operate in disaster zones and challenging off-road conditions. When conditions permit, the vehicles can travel through up to 36 inches of standing water, allowing rescue crews to reach areas that may be inaccessible to conventional emergency vehicles.
Having two LMTVs available gives the organization additional capacity to deploy crews and equipment following hurricanes, significant flooding and other emergencies that could leave neighborhoods or roads difficult to access.
High-water vehicles can be particularly valuable following tropical systems, when storm surge and heavy rainfall can make roads impassable and potentially isolate residents.
Manatee County Search & Rescue is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. The organization’s specialized rescue equipment and volunteer personnel strengthen local disaster preparedness and response capabilities without cost to taxpayers.
The addition of LMTV 2 comes as Florida moves deeper into hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30 and historically sees increased tropical activity during August, September and October.
More information about Manatee County Search & Rescue, its mission and ways to support the organization is available at manateecountysar.org.
