Hurricane Safety

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighther Wing Public Affairs
Tyndall Air Force Base --  June 1 not only marks the start of a new month but the kickoff of the 2012 hurricane season.

For those new to the hurricane region, the challenge of being prepared can seem very daunting. And for those who have been through these seasons before, the process may seem a bit routine.

However, knowing the different stages of the hurricane conditions and what you can do before the hurricane arrives may not only spare you from a headache but save you and your family's lives.

"Planning ahead of time is the most important thing," said Mr. Marty Spikes, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Chief of Readiness and Emergency Management.

To give you and your families 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 50-knot winds near base.

The hurricane conditions begin 72 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: 72 hours before the arrival of 50-knot or 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 and family.
· 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.

Mr. Spikes emphasized the need to plan ahead of time for a hurricanes arrival.

HURCON 3: 48 hours prior to predicted arrival of 50-knot or 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.

The decision whether or not military personnel and their families should evacuate the area will also be determined during HURCON 3. Conditions taken into consideration are the strength and predicted damage of the winds and the proximity to expected landfall.

"Early in the season, you need to think how and where to evacuate," said Mr. Spikes. "It's also important to let people know where you are going."

HURCON 2: 24 hours prior to predicted arrival of 50-knot or 58-mph 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 three-day supply of water, meaning one gallon of water per day.

HURCON 1: 12 hours prior to predicted arrival of 50-knot or 58-mph winds.
· Finalize any actions that aren't already complete.
· If you are going to a shelter, don't forget your evacuation kit

HURCON 1E (Emergency): 50-knot or 58-mph winds are occurring.
· Stay in your home or shelter location until community or base officials give further instructions.

HURCON 1R: 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 2012 hurricane season ends Nov. 30, take actions to prepare yourself for whatever the weather has to offer.

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