Tyndall is storm ready

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th FIghter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  With hurricane season swiftly approaching, Tyndall Airmen have been working diligently to ensure the base is storm ready, and their extreme efforts have paid off.

"We were recently awarded the Storm Ready Community Award from the National Weather Service," said Col. James Browne, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "We are one of two bases to receive this honor."

Preparing is not a quick or easy task.

"Preparation for hurricane season is a 365-day job," said Mr. Maurice Spikes, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron chief of readiness and emergency management. "Currently, the 325th Civil Engineer Readiness and Emergency Management Flight (CEX) is updating the Tyndall Air Force Base Comprehensive Emergency management Plan 10-2. The CEMP 10-2 is our playbook that explains how we will respond, not only to hurricanes, but other emergencies as well. "

The new manual will not be the only means of preparing Team Tyndall.

"CEX conducts base populace hurricane briefings March through November, to educate everyone on such things as, family and home preparation, evacuation procedures, safe haven locations, etc," said Mr. Spikes. "If anyone has any questions or concerns, wants a briefing, we come to commander's calls, spousal meetings, or any on-base function."

The squadron has also taken precautions to protect the base's assets.

"The Air Force has helped Tyndall prepare for future hurricanes by moving power lines underground and partnering with Balfour Beatty to construct more hurricane resistant homes," said Mr. Spikes. "The Federal Building Code has become stricter which leads to stronger homes."

The upcoming hurricane season has already been forecasted.

"Well, the prediction is for higher than normal this year, last year was higher than normal, and the year before that was higher than normal," said Mr. Spikes. "We know that for the last two years we've escaped having one hit us. But, the one thing that I want everyone to remember is that it only takes one to mess your day up."

Mr. Spikes urges everyone to have a plan. There are several questions that need to be answered to be prepared for a storm.

"These questions are, where am I going to relocate to if an evacuation is ordered? Does my vehicle have enough fuel to get where I am going? Do I have a map to where I am going? Have I contacted the folks I am evacuating to?

CEX will monitor the weather during all of the hurricane season.

"We are watching the Tropics, the Gulf, and the Atlantic, from June 1 through November," said Mr. Spikes. "If anything happens, we draft a Hurricon Crisis Action Team directive. After it is drafted, the wing commander will recall the crisis action team."

If a storm is strong enough, almost all personnel will be evacuated, but it is necessary to leave a select few behind.

"In case of an extreme storm we are going to evacuate the base and a small cadre of key Airmen will stay behind to ride the storm out," said Colonel Browne. "We have been very fortunate over the years to not have any extensive damage to the base during any hurricanes."

In the event of a hurricane, Tyndall AFB will not become a safe haven for civilian personnel who are seeking shelter.

If a hurricane is projected to hit Tyndall, residents can stay informed by calling the Tyndall AFB Recorded Information Line at 1-877-529-5540.