The powerful winds from Hurricane Milton, accompanied by tornadoes, are keeping first responders from safely accessing roads for rescue operations, according to officials.

“None of us want to remain idle while our communities are in need,” expressed Nick Pachota, a seasoned first responder and the mayor of Venice, Florida. “However, if responders were to get injured, there wouldn’t be anyone to assist them.”

Pachota, alongside other officials, cautioned that while residents can still call 911, actual assistance won’t be available until the storm subsides. They’re emphasizing this point after numerous 911 calls went unanswered during Hurricane Helene’s peak when help was critically needed.

The unanswerable calls included requests for rescues and inquiries about loved ones unreachably and the condition of their properties during the storm’s onslaught.

Pachota noted that the distress calls for rescue were particularly challenging to receive, as many callers expressed regret for ignoring evacuation orders.

“When power goes out and temperatures rise while sewage systems fail, they expect us to come to their aid, but that simply isn’t feasible,” he shared.

Emergency responders in the city of Sarasota County had to stop all activities around 6:30 p.m. when wind speeds exceeded 45 mph, as confirmed by Pachota to YSL News. In Pasco County, officials made an announcement just after 7 p.m. that they too could no longer respond to emergency calls.

“This is precisely why we constantly urge the public to evacuate,” stated Sarah Andeara, a county public information officer. “When winds become extreme and floodwaters rise, we cannot respond to those calls for help.”

First responders will monitor wind speeds every 30 minutes to determine when they fall below Pasco’s 39 mph limit, indicating that they may begin answering calls again, said Andeara.

Fortunately, many residents in Pasco listened to evacuation warnings ahead of Hurricane Milton, with approximately 6,000 individuals seeking refuge in hurricane shelters—significantly more than during Hurricane Helene.

Most first responder units cease activities once winds reach 30 to 40 mph.

According to Lieutenant Todd Olmer, a representative for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, during Hurricane Helene, their water rescue operations halted at those wind speeds. However, responders still utilized specialized swamp buggies to conduct rescues in floodwaters up to four feet deep.

Petty Officer Eric Rodriguez from the U.S. Coast Guard in Florida cautioned that they wouldn’t begin rescue operations until after Hurricane Helene had passed. At that time, Coast Guard crews would use helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to search for wreckage and individuals in distress along the coast.

Authorities have alerted that rescue efforts following the storm can still be complex.

Emergency teams will face challenges, including navigating through debris, downed trees, and flooded roads.

“Some individuals simply don’t understand,” observed Pachota. “In our society, there’s a perception that help is readily available at all times. Many don’t realize that once trees and power lines are down, it takes special teams to access homes, especially when floodwaters are present.”

Authorities advise residents to first contact a neighbor if they need help, and to call 311 for non-emergencies.