A better outcome in Florida after Hurricane Milton made landfall will mean that some Missouri assets will not be deployed after all, said Gov. Mike Parson.
Earlier, Parson had expected to send 100 Missouri National Guard members, 21 Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and civilian support staff, and five Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team members to Florida.
Missouri was notified by Florida that both Missouri National Guard and Department of Public Safety resources previously offered for Hurricane Milton response efforts were no longer required.
“While Missouri was ready and willing to assist our fellow Americans in Florida, we are relieved that Hurricane Milton proved to be less destructive than previously expected and that the State of Florida already has the necessary resources to respond,” Parson said. “Teresa and I will continue to keep the people of North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida in our thoughts and prayers as recovery efforts continue.”
A Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) specialist in donations and volunteer management will be deploying to Florida in response to a separate Florida request.
No Missouri resources were in transit to Florida before notice of the cancellation was received.
Individuals interested in helping hurricane victims are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. (https://www.nvoad.org/) Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.
