Tyndall plans ahead for hurricane season

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall will be conducting a hurricane preparedness exercise the week of May 13.

"Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Every year we exercise prior to the start of the season to ensure the wing is able to protect resources, capabilities and personnel," said Frank LaBroad, 325th Fighter Wing exercise evaluation team chief. "Units will take precautionary measures as if a hurricane is directly threatening our area."

Exercise participants from across the installation will practice preparing the wing for an approaching hurricane. Units will review personnel accountability, facility preparation, aircraft evacuation and recall procedures.

"The exercise evaluation team puts a lot of effort into the development and execution of this exercise to ensure the installation is prepared to respond, should a real-world hurricane threaten our area," said LaBroad."The real value of the exercise process is being able to execute plans at a less than emergency pace, capturing lessons learned and making adjustments as required."

While the exercise will be focused on preparing the installation for a possible hurricane, Team Tyndall can apply lessons at home as well.

"Individual and family preparation is directly related to installation preparedness," LaBroad said. "We all need to take individual responsibility to prepare ourselves and our families so we can focus on the mission. It's the perfect time to look over family plans or to develop one if you haven't yet."

Those unfamiliar with hurricane preparations, contact your unit emergency management representative or 325th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management center at (850) 283-2010 and check back during the week of May 13 for more information.

"Planning ahead of time is the most important thing," said Mr. Marty Spikes, 325th CES readiness and emergency management chief. "Before the season, you need to think how and where to evacuate. It's also important to let people know where you are going."