As Fort Lauderdale braces for another flood season, the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue team is leaving no stone unturned to ensure their preparedness. WSVN reported that this year marks the second anniversary of the city's record-breaking flood when more than two feet of rain wreaked havoc, prompting over 900 rescues. Fire Chief Stephen Gollan reflected on the past incidents, stating, "Those that were here that day remember that around noon it started raining, and it just didn’t stop."
Remembering the deluge, resident Kitty McGowan told WSVN, "Two years ago, we were being evacuated on a swamp buggy." In preparation for potential future flooding, firefighters spent a week performing water rescues simulations and worked on modifying equipment to better handle high-water scenarios. The upgrades include lifted vehicles with elevated radios to ensure connectivity during rescues.
The advanced training carried out by the fire department is not limited to tackling only human rescues. CBS News Miami covered the expansion of their rescue efforts to include pets as well, with Chief Gollan highlighting the importance of furry companions: "A lot of people look at their pets as their children," adding that the latest exercises also concentrated on how to safely rescue pets.
With recent history as a guide, including last year's 20 inches of rainfall, the training emphasizes practical skills like line-tossing and boat navigation through challenging flood conditions. Vincent Pangallo, from Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, gave straightforward advice to those who may find themselves in a flood: "Stay calm, relax, and listen to the instructions," as detailed by CBS News Miami. More than 100 volunteers were reportedly trained to assist in rescues, showing the community's commitment to readiness and safety.
