FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        Contact:        Marie Bertot
                                                                                                                                    Media Relations Manager
                                                                                                                                    (305) 375-2274

 

Miami-Dade County Helps Earthquake Victims in Haiti
and Local Haitian-American Community

(MIAMI, January 13, 2010) -- Miami-Dade County is mobilizing resources following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.  An information hub is established for the Haitian-American community at the Edison Little River Neighborhood Center located at 150 Northwest 79th Street in Little Haiti.  The hub is disseminating information on relief and recovery efforts and counseling services for friends and families of victims.  Hours of operation for the Center are 8 AM to 6 PM but may be extended as need arises.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s (MDFR) Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Team, Florida Task Force One (FLTF-1), is preparing to deploy to Haiti at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Task Force One consists of 80 emergency responders and seven search and research canines and specializes in a number of areas, including: command and control; technical search; structural assessment and stabilization; planning/technical information; advanced medical care, including physicians and medical specialists; hazardous materials mitigation; tactical communications; logistics support; and safety and rescue specialists.

The County is encouraging residents to help with the relief efforts by making cash donations organizations such as the Red Cross and Catholic Charities.  These organizations are accepting monetary donations only at this time.  The federal government has established an information line for Americans trying to locate family members in Haiti.  The number is 1-888-407-4747.