LAFAYETTE — First responders across Louisiana are getting ready for search and rescue missions ahead of Tropical Storm Barry.
Heavy machinery and equipment is ready in case first responders have to drive through high water. Work is underway to help not just here in Acadiana, but across the state.
The National Guard is mobilized across the state, including the armory in Abbeville.
"It's even more important that we are protecting our neighbors and the states lives and property," said Major Nicholas Acosta.
On Thursday, this team deployed to Jefferson and Orleans Parishes to perform search and rescue missions.
"It's a line up of high water vehicles, some humvees and then boats to provide any type of search and rescue or security missions that we may get tasked with for this storm," Acosta said.
Meanwhile, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department is gearing up to help those in Acadiana.
"What you see right here is pretty much the result from the storms in 2016. Sheriff Garber made a huge commitment to invest in future storms by purchasing these high water rescue vehicles," said Lt. John Mowell.
The vehicles are equipped with kayaks, life jackets, rope and other materials needed during the rescue. The Sheriff's Department also has an important message to everyone ahead of the weather.
"The parish does have an ordinance about no wakes, so people may be fined if their creating a wake that causes damage to certain peoples property," Mowell said.
The wheels of the vehicles are equipped to drive through several feet of water and has enough space for people and animals to be taken to safety
