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Hurricane before, during, after checklist

Hurricane graphic

(U.S. Air Force graphic/Released)

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --

As Team Tyndall avoided extensive damage through the passing of Hurricane Irma, members of the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron and Tyndall key personnel want to ensure Tyndall Airmen and families have proper knowledge to prepare for another event like this.  

The National Weather Service states that hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. Additionally, on average 12 tropical storms, six of which become hurricanes, form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season June 1 through Nov. 30.

With this information in mind, the 325th CES, recommends a checklist be available for Airmen and their families if or when natural disasters threaten Tyndall Air Force Base.

Preparing your home:

 

  • Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe before hurricane season.

  • Consider buying flood insurance, http://www.floodsmart.gov/.

  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.

  • Reduce likelihood of property damage by retrofitting, securing and reinforcing the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.

  • Consider the purchase of a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages.

     

    “If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads,” said Tech. Sgt. Brandi Mathis, 325th CES disaster preparedness representative.

    Mathis advises Airmen to make sure their families are personally ready, and not to only focus on things of monetary value.  

     

    Prepare your family:

     

  • Review your evacuation route(s) and listen to local officials. Ensure you know where to find current road, bridge and school closures for your applicable county.

  • Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities and your pets.

     

Mathis went on to explain that if you do not have a disaster supply kit, to put together a “go-bag” for each member of your family.

Go-bags should include, at a minimum: a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.

“Having more than one placed in multiple vehicles will ensure your family is prepared in the event that you do not carpool with your significant other or if you are separated,” she added.

 

Leading from hurricane preparations done before the storm, Airmen should ensure they have the following items, if applicable:

 

  • Having more than one placed in multiple vehicles will ensure your family is prepared in the event that you do not car pool with your significant other, or if you are separated.

  • Diapers, medications and formula for infants/small children. Ensure that water supply is adjusted to ensure dilution of formula.

  • Medications for family members, to include those for family that may be elderly or have special needs.

  • Social media sites or phone numbers for local emergency management agencies to ensure all clear is declared if evacuated.

  • Important documents: identification to include social security cards for family members, home owners/rental/flood insurance policies to include local contact numbers for claims, vet records for animals and paper prescriptions for any items not already filled.

  • Food and water requirements if your family is going to a natural disaster shelter, many may not provide items other than sleeping locations.

  • For small children bring favorite bedtime items, games and books to assist with keeping them comfortable.

  • Know where your county’s shelters are and if they allow pets.

“Most importantly, if you evacuate, contact the local emergency management or law enforcement office to determine if the area is cleared to return to,” Mathis concluded. “Additionally, make sure you have phone numbers for local power, gas and water companies in the event that these utilities are off or unavailable.”

 

As hurricane season continues, the professionals of the 325th CES and Emergency Management implore Airmen to stay informed of necessary hurricane information. For more hurricane information, visit Tyndall’s hurricane page at http://www.tyndall.af.mil/Hurricane/.