Countdown to hurricane season begins

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  White sandy beaches and emerald waters are some of the great qualities about Tyndall located in Bay County. However, luxuries aside from located on the Emerald Coast, coastal populaces are prone to hurricanes and tropical weather systems.

Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

"Although hurricane season isn't for almost another month, it is important to prepare a head of time," said Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Hansen, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight NCO in charge. "If people wait until last minute to get supplies, there's always the possibility of stores running out. It's also important that individuals take into consideration everybody in their family including their pets."

Enough water, food, medication and important documents are things to consider having ready in case families need to evacuate.

The 325th CES Readiness and Emergency Management Flight will activate hurricane conditions with instructions as the season begins.

"Prior to hurricane season, there are many steps Team Tyndall members can take to be prepared," said Marty Spikes, 325th CES chief of readiness and emergency management. "Preseason hurricane preparedness focuses on tasks that one would usually not have the time to complete, once a hurricane is forecast to Tyndall. These types of preparations may take days or longer.

"The first step in being prepared for severe tropical weather is taking an inventory on which issues would impact your property and family," Spikes added. "Once the inventory is taken, the items should be prioritized as to the potential negative impact it could cause if not accounted for."

Spikes explained the issues as what to be prepared for, how to plan and what items are needed to prepare for severe weather.

Expect the unexpected:
· A hurricane brings a number of threats: high winds, storm surge, tornadoes and flooding. For a more in-depth understanding of each of these characteristics, please refer to the Readiness and Emergency Management SharePoint or Facebook page.

· Many times high winds from a hurricane can blow in a garage door, and then the rest of the house. Make sure that the house is up to proper building codes.

Be prepared:
· Buy plywood to cover windows or install shutters. If hurricane winds break the windows, wind and rain can get into the house causing great damage or loss of the house. Remember, taping windows does little if anything in protecting from damage or harm.

· Survey the property for items that can be thrown by the wind, especially trees that could fall on the house. Cut the dead branches away. Consider cutting the tree, if it poses a threat to destroy the house if toppled.

· A chainsaw can help cut trees that have fallen on houses or blocked roads.

· A portable generator may also be useful in the event that power is lost.

· Have a portable radio on hand including a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio to receive news bulletins.

· Check that flashlights work properly and have extra ones in case one breaks.

· Stock up on supplies like non-perishable foods, medications, diapers, formula, batteries, bottled water and pet food. Have an extra propane tank for the grill in case the power goes out. Sometimes power is lost for days when a severe hurricane hits.

Have a plan:
· Know elevation above sea level and be familiar with local tides.

· Know how high the normal high tides are to get an idea of the danger from storm tides.
Talk to the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight who knows the historical high tides. Hurricanes can push high water many miles inland. If living on the coast, waves will also add to the height of the storm tide.

· Have an evacuation plan. Buy a detailed map and devise several escape routes in case one or more of the paths are closed for some reason.

· Locate relatives, friends or hotels for accommodation when outside of the threat zone.

· Write down phone numbers of emergency contacts, hotels and insurance companies.

· Ensure that proper insurance coverage is purchased, including flood insurance if living near the coast or in a flood prone area.

· Know where to send pets in case of evacuation. Some hurricane shelters or hotels will not allow pets.

· Take a CPR and First Aid class.

· Find a safe room in the house. It should be a small, well-enforced room on the lowest floor and away from windows. If there is a flood threat, it is best to locate the nearest shelter and plan to go there.

For more information on answers to your questions about local hazards contact the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight at (850) 283-2010.

Additional information can be found at www.noaa.gov; www.floridadisaster.org; www.tyndall.af.mil/library/tyndallhurricanepage.asp