Are you prepared?

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  June 1 not only marks the start of a new month, but the kickoff of the 2013 hurricane season.

Knowing the different stages of the hurricane conditions and what to do before the hurricane arrives can spare lives.

Preparing Your Home
·Trim trees and shrubs to prevent damage
·Secure outdoor items, such as patio furniture, as they may become a hazard
·Shut off utilities at main stations
·Close, lock and board up windows
·Know what flood zone you live in

Disaster Supply Kit
·Water- At least one gallon daily per person for seven days
·Food- At least enough non-perishable food for seven days per person
·Blankets, pillows, clothing, rain gear
·First Aid Kit, medicines/ prescription drugs
·Toiletries- Hygiene items, moist/baby wipes
·Flashlight, batteries and radio
·Cash- Banks and ATMs may not be open or available
·Important Documents- Insurance, medical records, etc
·Ensure vehicle gas tanks are full
·Pet care items

To give Team Tyndall adequate time to prepare for and counter the effects of a hurricane, Tyndall uses the HURCON alert scale to signal the arrival and departure of 58-mph winds near base.

The hurricane conditions begin 96 hours prior to the hurricane's arrival with HURCON 4 until the all-clear is determined by base and community officials in HURCON 1R.

HURCON 4: 96 hours before the arrival of 58-mph winds.
·Secure any loose items and harden or cover all windows in your homes with plywood if you don't have shutters.
·Have a communication plan established that will allow you to keep in touch with friends, family and coworkers
·Fuel all vehicles. Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times even if no hurricane is due.
·Ensure you have adequate cash on hand.
·Make sure your disaster supply kit is well stocked with food, water, batteries, toiletries and clothing.
·Gather important documents or place in a fire/waterproof location.
·Have a plan for family members with special medical needs.
·If you have pets make sure the evacuation location choosen allows animals.

HURCON 3: 72 hours prior to predicted arrival of 58-mph winds.
·Monitor local radio and military channels for evacuation orders.
·Know where the safest areas are within your home if you stay behind during a non-evacuation situation.

HURCON 2: 48 hours prior to predicted arrival of 58-mph plus winds.
·Double check all preparation activities, making sure they are complete.
·Turn refrigerator and freezer to their highest setting. Most units can maintain food-preserving temperatures for up to two days without power.
·Ensure you have a seven-day supply of water, meaning one gallon of water per day.

HURCON 1: 24 hours prior to predicted arrival of 58-mph plus winds.
·Finalize any actions that aren't already complete.
·If you are going to a shelter, don't forget your disaster suppy kit

HURCON 1E (Emergency): 58-mph plus winds are occurring.
·Stay in your home or shelter location until community or base officials give further instructions.

HURCON 1R (Recovery): This is the recovery period after the departure of dangerous conditions. Only emergency response or damage assessment teams are released to move about.

Until the 2013 hurricane season ends November 30, take precautionary actions for whatever the weather may have to offer.

For more information, contact your unit emergency management representative or 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Center at (850) 283-2010 or visit http://www.tyndall.af.mil/library/tyndallhurricanepage.asp