South Carolina Task Force Deployed to Texas for Flood Response Efforts

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster announced Tuesday that South Carolina’s elite search and rescue team has been deployed to Texas to assist with ongoing flood response efforts. The deployment comes in response to a formal request for assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which allows states to share resources during major disasters.

The South Carolina team, known as SC Task Force 1 (SC-TF1), is an all-hazards urban search and rescue unit with specialized training in water rescue. The team departed Thursday morning, July 10, and is expected to provide support in flood-stricken areas, where ongoing rainfall and overflowing rivers have created hazardous conditions.

“South Carolinians are always ready to lend a hand when our neighbors are in need,” said Gov. McMaster in a statement. “We are proud of the brave men and women of Task Force 1, and we are confident in their ability to provide professional and compassionate service.”

The task force will assist in locating and rescuing people trapped by rising waters, conduct structural assessments, and provide emergency medical support in affected communities. The team is equipped with the personnel and tools necessary to operate independently in challenging conditions.

Background on SC Task Force 1

Formed in 2004, SC Task Force 1 is part of South Carolina State Fire’s Emergency Response Task Force System. It is designed to respond to disasters across both urban and rural areas, including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and man-made emergencies.

SC-TF1 consists of emergency responders from various agencies across the state and can scale its operations depending on the situation. Its capabilities include:

• Search and rescue in collapsed buildings and swift water environments
• Technical search operations using cameras and listening devices
• Wide-area searches and structural hazard assessments
• Medical support for victims and responders
• Utility shut-offs and stabilization of damaged buildings

The team can deploy in different configurations, from small 22-person teams for light rescue to full 70-member Type 1 units for large-scale disasters. For flood and water-based missions like the current one in Texas, the team includes at least 14 personnel trained specifically for swift water rescue.

SC-TF1 is ready to deploy within four hours of notification and can operate self-sufficiently in the field.

Sources:

• Governor Henry McMaster’s Office, July 11, 2025: governor.sc.gov
• South Carolina State Fire – US&R Team Overview (SC-TF1)