NJ National Guard, NYC Search & Rescue Task Force Deployed To Florida For Hurricane Irma
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey is deploying troops and a specialized task force to Florida to help with Hurricane Irma.
More than 100 members of the state's Army National Guard 253rd transportation company departs from Cape May County on Friday for central Florida. The unit is equipped with high-wheeled vehicles.
A Naval reserve unit was deployed on Thursday evening, which is equipped with boats and towing vehicles.
The NYPD is also lending a hand.
Members of the New York City Urban Search and Rescue Task Force were deployed to Florida Thursday. Other members of the task force have also traveled to Houston for Harvey relief efforts.
The Red Cross is also deploying people and supplies to help Irma victims.
Volunteer Doug Baten, an active firefighter in New York City, is donating his vacation time and heading to an Irma-devastated St. Thomas.
"Sometimes they don't need the supplies we bring, sometimes they just want a hug or they just want to cry on your shoulder for a minute just to get it out, get that stress out," Baten said.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has issued an order that temporarily waives the international fuel tax agreement and international registration plan for any commercial vehicles traveling through the state to aid areas affected by Irma and Hurricane Harvey.
The suspension remains in effect until Oct. 1.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami predicts severe conditions to begin Saturday in Florida.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has ordered all schools throughout the state to shut down through Monday. Some schools will be used as shelters or staging grounds for relief efforts.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)