While most of the country prepared for the warmer temperatures that spring typically brings, many Midwest states were hunkered down for Winter Storm Ulmer, an intense storm that brought intense wind, blizzard-like conditions, and, in some areas, all-time record flooding due to increased river levels. The storm destroyed an estimated 16 million acres and caused billions of dollars in damage.
Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, is providing assistance and support to the residents of Pine Ridge Reservation, SD, and Nebraska communities located in Sarpy, Cass, Colfax, and Platte counties. To help Team Rubicon with its efforts, Polaris donated six RANGER utility side-by-side vehicles to help with flooding relief efforts in South Dakota and Nebraska.
"Working with Polaris during a disaster like Winter Storm Ulmer, which brought massive amounts of damage across the Midwest, has a great impact on the mission of Team Rubicon and the survivors that we are serving,” said Brian Meagher, Strategic Partnerships Officer at Team Rubicon. “The ability to come in as a force multiplier to assist Team Rubicon in helping more people is what it is all about."
Team Rubicon’s crew uses the RANGER vehicles to access remote areas, conduct damage assessments and assist affected residents. These vehicles have also helped with hauling fallen trees and clearing debris to allow access for larger machinery.
“We’re humbled by the great work Team Rubicon has done and continues to do whenever a disaster strikes, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute RANGER vehicles to support their efforts,” said Kyle Duea, Vice President of Off-Road Vehicles at Polaris.
Polaris, a world leader in powersports, has a long history of supporting disaster relief efforts through work with organizations, such as Team Rubicon, and through its ongoing partnership with The Salvation Army and their Polaris Rescue and Relief Fleet.
Team Rubicon boasts a 90,000-strong, highly skilled volunteer force that helps communities stabilize and recover after a devastating natural disaster. Since its inception following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Team Rubicon has responded to 325 disasters, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence, and Michael.
To join or support Team Rubicon’s mission, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.
