ST. PAUL, MN - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz today signed Emergency Executive Order 24-12 authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton.

“Minnesota will provide every resource we can to support communities across the south that have been devastated this hurricane season,” said Governor Walz. “In this time of crisis, Minnesota’s first responders have demonstrated unyielding dedication. Their efforts are making a critical difference.”

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall, Hurricane Milton is rapidly intensifying and expected to overwhelm local emergency response teams. To manage widespread damage, Florida has requested assistance and support from first responders under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

The Minnesota National Guard is working with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division to determine mission requirements.

The Minnesota National Guard, St. Louis County Mobile Command Post, and the Minnesota All Hazard Incident Management Team are also on site in North Carolina and South Carolina assisting with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

About EMAC
EMAC is a mutual aid agreement between all 50 states. A requesting state asks for resources (people, equipment, etc.) based on their needs. Agencies in other states with those resources are able to respond to a request, but there is no obligation to participate. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division coordinates the state’s EMAC requests.

The Emergency Executive Order goes into effect today, October 7, 2024, and will remain in effect until National Guard resources are no longer required, or until November 6, 2024, whichever occurs first.