Rescue and power crews from the Suncoast are heading northeast this week, on their way to the Carolinas to help out once Hurricane Florence makes landfall.

Early yesterday afternoon, Sarasota County Fire Department sent three paramedics and three EMTs in three rescue units and started heading into the danger zone.

Meanwhile, Florida Power and Light has already sent 500 employees and contractors to the Carolinas to help restore power. Of those, around three dozen are from the area.