COLUMBUS, Ohio — In response to a state of emergency declared on Saturday, Aug. 2 in Lucas County and the greater Toledo area, Gov. John Kasich ordered a contingent of the Ohio National Guard to state active duty.
Ohio National Guard members are deploying to support residents in Lucas, Wood and Fulton counties. They will deliver water purification systems, pallets of bottled water and military Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs).
The 200th RED HORSE Camp Perry and 200th RED HORSE Det 1 of Mansfield sent 61 troops to set up at three locations. There are 40 troops maintaining the locations. The locations are: Scott Park Police Dept., 2260 Nebraska Ave, Toledo; Woodward High School, 701 E. Central Ave., Toledo; and Springfield High School, 1470 S McCord Holland, Ohio.
RED HORSE personnel are asking that anyone needing water, to bring containers.
A harmful algae bloom has affected the Toledo public water system. City officials issued a “do not drink” notice in the affected areas. Early reports are that about 400,000 people in and around Ohio’s fourth-largest city are affected.
“Our Soldiers and Airmen are highly trained and ready to respond,” said Maj. Gen. Deborah A. Ashenhurst, Ohio adjutant general. “We have specialized equipment and stockpiles of supplies that can bring some relief to the area.”
Soldiers and Airmen from the Ohio National Guard’s 371st Task Force are providing the personnel for the mission.
The Ohio National Guard headquarters has activated its Crisis Action Team and Joint Planning Group, consisting of both Air and Army Guard members, to manage response efforts.
