Five SDF-trained search teams deploy to assist in aftermath of Hurricane Ida
Deployment Reports

Five SDF-trained search teams deploy to assist in aftermath of Hurricane Ida

Five SDF-trained search teams deployed, along with at least 18 state and federal task forces from across the country, to assist in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida, which made landfall on August 29, 2021, as a deadly Category 4 hurricane.

Devastating damage and ongoing flooding have left many communities stranded without power, possibly for the next few weeks. Per media reports, several people are missing and hundreds of boats and helicopters have been sent out to rescue people trapped by the floodwaters.

As authorities assess areas affected by Ida and rescuers begin their operations, know that your SDF search teams are prepared to be called into action:

NEBRASKA TASK FORCE 1 – currently on the ground in Louisiana:

Steve and Mark sent SDF a message on August 29, as they awaited Ida’s landfall, just after training with the dogs and getting them acclimated to the weather conditions in Lafayette, Louisiana. See their video message here.

CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE 4 – enroute to the Gulf Coast from Northern California:

Our thoughts are with all those affected by Ida and we will be sure to keep you updated as canine disaster search teams go to work in the storm’s wake. We know these canines and handlers are ready for the days ahead, thanks to you and others who believe in them and in SDF’s mission.

Below is a timeline of the deployment of SDF-trained search teams for Hurricane Ida:
AUGUST 30, 2021
Ida has now weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm and continues to move away from the coastline as it makes its way north toward Tennessee. This means less intensity, and a decrease in rainfall and wind speeds, but Tropical Storm Ida remains a potentially deadly storm system.
As day breaks in Louisiana, the widespread devastation comes into focus, and rescuers begin assessing the damage to determine their operations and how to best serve affected communities in the days to come.
AUGUST 29, 2021
Hurricane Ida makes landfall as an incredibly strong Category 4 storm, slamming into Louisiana. Additional resources are deployed, including SDF-trained search teams Brian Medley & Navy, Mike Stornetta & Rocket, and Rudy Valencia & Topa as part of California Task Force 4. They begin driving from Northern California to the Gulf Coast to assist with rescue efforts in the aftermath of the storm.
AUGUST 28, 2021
More than 18 state and federal resources are now activated to respond and stage in and near Louisiana in anticipation of Ida making landfall as an exceptionally strong hurricane.

AUGUST 27, 2021

State and federal resources are deployed ahead of Tropical Storm Ida to respond in preparation for damage and flooding caused by the storm. This includes SDF-trained search teams Steve MacDonald & Molly and Mark Schroeder & Koda and their task force teammates with Nebraska Task Force 1.