Organizations throughout Tri-State area work to send help and resources to Florida

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Organizations throughout the Tri-State area are coming together to help Florida's residents after Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm.

A team of about 90 people from New York Task Force One are stationed along the Florida-Georgia border and were in position to help with rescue efforts.

The team consists of NYPD and FDNY members.

Some of those members had just returned from North Carolina where they helped with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

Additionally, Red Cross volunteers from New Jersey and Pennsylvania are on their way to provide help and comfort to Florida residents.



At the Red Cross location in Fairfield, New Jersey, disaster volunteer John Loyer was driving an empty Red Cross van to Philadelphia where he will pick up other volunteers and then head down south -- awaiting orders of what communities need.

Con Edison and Orange and Rockland Utilities have sent 63 workers and heavy equipment to help restore power in Florida. Those workers consist of mechanics, supervisors, and emergency management personnel.

These teams have also been busy as they helped out in West Virginia and Virginia after Helene.

The New York National Guard has deployed soldiers and airmen to a joint training center near Jacksonville. That group consists of EMTs with extensive scuba diving training and survival skills who will be equipped with watercraft and specialized vehicles.

"I will let you know this. We have tried. He's the only governor I can think of that doesn't have his cell phone available to other governors. Just an observation. Therefore, I asked my secretary to the governor to reach his chief of staff yesterday and convey that I would love to talk, but it's not essential. He's got his hands very busy right now. I understand when you are in the middle of a crisis. But I wanted him to know that I have a full commitment to help the people of Florida just as we are helping the people of North Carolina. It's a frightening time, and we should all keep them in our prayers," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.

ALSO READ: Live updates on Hurricane Milton

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