HFD Chief Gives Update On High Water Rescue Program

From the City of Houston:

September 26 2019

Fire Chief Sam Peña Gives Update on High Water Rescue and Response Program

HOUSTON -A major investment in the high-water response program has been made since Hurricane Harvey to address the Houston Fire Department’s need for flood response equipment, assets and trained personnel.

The City of Houston is subject to flooding that may result in casualties and/or damage to property. The most frequent flood hazard in Houston is flash flooding. Riverine flooding and dam/levee failure are possible but considered less likely due to adequate maintenance practices. The most common flash flooding service demand is stranded motorist resulting from street-level flooding.

Below is a summary of funding allocation:

From FY18 through FY19, approximately $2.3M has been invested into development and improvement of the High-WaterRescue and Response program.

Grants and Donations:
• Evacuation Boats $196,000
• Rescue Boats $78,000
• High Water Vehicles$319,012General Fund Allocations:
• Evacuation Boats$132,000
• Rescue Boats$52,000
• High Water Vehicles$398,765
• Wave Runners$39,000
• Prime Movers$800,000Training: Established and 80-member Water Strike Team
• Basic Flood Water and Evacuation Boat Training
• Swift Water Ops/Technician Rescue Boat Training
• High-Water Vehicle Operation Training
• Personnel Equipment and Tools
• Total investment $320,000

This press release was produced by the City of Houston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.