MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Packing up and heading out, an 80-member team from the Mid-South is preparing to head into harm's way. Tennessee Task Force 1 was activated Monday evening.
"When it comes it comes, they don't give us a warning," said Cleotis Smith.
The Task Force was put on alert on Monday afternoon. By Monday evening, the team received its deployment call.
"They told us to expect blizzard conditions en route and of course deal with the flooding once we get there," said Shari Turner.
Tennessee Task Force 1 is one of 28 teams across the country trained in search and rescue. The team last deployed to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
"We haven't been deployed in a while, so the adrenaline is pumping and the guys are rearing to go and want to make a difference," said Memphis Fire Director Alvin Benson.
"The storm will have to do his thing and then we will evaluate and see where they go from there."
"Your mind is saying go away, but your heart is saying keep going so it is kind of hard, you balance between both of them," said Smith.
The Task Force is usually deployed for 7-10 days, but that varies depending on the mission.
