Jefferson City - On October 9, 2024, in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the State of Florida, Governor Mike Parson has ordered 100 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members, 21 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers and civilian support staff, and five Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) members to Florida to aid Hurricane Milton response efforts. 

"Missouri always stands ready to assist our fellow states in need, and as Governor Ron DeSantis and the people of Florida brace for one of the strongest and potentially most destructive hurricanes in recent memory, Missouri will be there to help them respond and recover," Governor Parson said. "We will continue to assess how best Missouri can assist Florida in response to this hurricane and other states recently impacted by Hurricane Helene. In the meantime, Teresa and I are praying for Americans who have been displaced by Helene and the safety of the people of Florida as Milton approaches landfall."

Preparations are being made for Missouri personnel to arrive in Florida once the immediate threats of Hurricane Milton have passed. They will assist in Florida for five to 20 days, depending on response and recovery needs. Potential extensions and additional deployments may be assessed in coordination with Florida's emergency response agencies.

The cost of the combined deployment is estimated at $1.6 million and will be covered primarily by the Governor's Office's discretionary emergency response fund. The State could potentially be reimbursed by the federal government.

MONG assistance to Florida consists of transportation and logistics support. Vehicles from MONG's transportation Company are capable of traveling off road and over adverse terrain to deliver needed food, water, and other supplies and capabilities to the point of need. These assets were identified to fill critical capability gaps and meet anticipated needs on ground. Ongoing coordination with state and federal partners will define the full mission.

MSHP is rostering a team of 15 troopers and six civilians with the technical expertise, equipment, and supplies to support operations for a sustained period of time. MSHP is determined to assist Florida authorities and residents during this emergency without compromising the level of service it provides every day in Missouri. MO DMAT-1 team members will support any medical or logistical needs of the MSHP.

To date, the State of Missouri has not received any direct EMAC requests for states affected by Hurricane Helene but is prepared to consider any requests should they be received.

Individuals interested in helping are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. 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.