Ohio is sending communications equipment and personnel to help North Carolina after Hurricane Helene

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine deployed personnel and communications equipment from the state’s Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) to help rebuild Asheville, North Carolina, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The MARCS network, which connects first responders across Ohio during emergencies, will now support disaster response teams in western North Carolina.

“We will continue to assist Governor Cooper and the people of western North Carolina with their immediate needs in the wake of this storm,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio is providing first responders with reliable communications equipment, which is crucial during this time.”

As part of the rescue effort, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) MARCS team is deploying an 80-foot tower on wheels (TOW), a radio cache and a portable generator to ensure communications remain intact during the recovery process. The equipment will be accompanied by two members of the Ohio Telecommunications Emergency Response Task Force. The mobile tower can be deployed within an hour of arrival, improving the communications network for emergency personnel in the affected area.

“Reliable communications are critical to disaster recovery and saving lives in emergencies,” said DAS Director Kathleen C. Madden. “We are pleased to provide personnel and equipment to help connect emergency services to coordinate rescue efforts.”

Ohio’s contribution is aimed at improving communications infrastructure for emergency responders, an important part of coordinating emergency services and ensuring public safety as North Carolina begins to recover from the hurricane.