Missouri Task Force 1 deploys to Florida coast

UPDATE 10/9 – 7:30 A.M.: Missouri Task Force One departed for Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida just after 7 a.m. Tuesday.

ORIGINAL: The Federal Emergency Management Agency activated Missouri Task Force 1 Monday night ahead of Hurricane Michael, according to officials with the Boone County Fire Protection District.

According to a news release, the task force will deploy to Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida, on Tuesday at 7 a.m.

Hurricane Michael is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday evening.

The team will deploy as a swiftwater rescue, mission-ready package. The team includes 16 people who are all trained as swiftwater rescue technicians, according to the release.

Officials said the equipment will include four boats, water rescue gear, decontamination supplies and personal issued gear.