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Oklahoma sends swift water rescue teams to assist Texas flood response
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Oklahoma sends swift water rescue teams to assist Texas flood response 

Lawton, OK – In a demonstration of interstate solidarity, Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced on Saturday that two Type III swift water rescue teams from Oklahoma are being deployed to Texas to support ongoing flood response efforts.

The deployment includes members of Oklahoma Task Force 1 from Tulsa and Oklahoma City, accompanied by boats, trailers, and essential rescue equipment. The teams are mobilizing following a request from the Texas Division of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national mutual aid system that facilitates disaster response across state lines.

In addition to the rescue teams, OEM is preparing to send two staff members to Austin on Sunday. These personnel will serve as liaison officers at the Texas State Operations Center, assisting in the coordination of further interstate mutual aid requests.

“As always, Oklahoma will answer the call to help our friends and neighbors during these devastating floods. That’s the Oklahoma Standard, plain and simple,” said Governor Stitt. “I’m grateful to our elite first responders in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for their willingness to step up and help our neighbors once again.”

OEM Director Annie Mack Vest emphasized the preparedness and professionalism of the responding teams. “Oklahoma personnel are well-trained and ready to assist the State of Texas through this deployment,” Vest said. “The EMAC system ensures that experienced personnel are available to support flood response efforts where they’re most needed. Our hearts are with those impacted by this unfathomable event and we pray for the safety of Texas and responders.”

Established in 1996 after lessons learned from Hurricane Andrew, EMAC has become a key component of national disaster response. In recent years, Oklahoma has deployed resources to assist with disasters in California, Florida, Louisiana, and New Mexico under the EMAC system.

OEM officials say they continue to monitor the situation closely and are prepared to send additional support if needed.

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