TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Hurricane season began June 1, and with two tropical storms already on the books, now is the time to start being prepared.
Team Tyndall members are encouraged to update their emergency action plans to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster.
Airmen and their dependents who reside on the installation are mandated to evacuate the base after it is declared too dangerous remain there. Evacuees include military members and civilians living in all privatized housing areas, lodging, family camp and dormitories on the installation.
To emphasize the importance of the warning signs, base personnel are reminded of the 'National Standard' for Natural Disaster Warning Signals, all of which are a three to five minute steady signal from sirens, horns, or other devices and may be repeated as necessary.
Personnel required to evacuate the base should be mindful that the 325th Fighter Wing commander has established an evacuation distance not to exceed 350 miles and be no less than 100 miles from base. Evacuation routes are dependent on the storm's traveling path.
“In accordance with the TAFB 10-2 plan, the base has established an agreement with Maxwell AFB, Alabama; Robins AFB, Georgia; and Moody AFB, Georgia,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Teresak, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management NCO in-charge of education and training. “With this agreement, all Tyndall personnel will have the option to receive refuge from these three installations in the case they are required to evacuate.”
In addition to Tyndall's installation disaster procedures, there is also the Federal Emergency Management Agency-driven "America's Prepare-A-thon" campaign. The goals of this campaign are to increase public awareness for the different types of disasters that could happen in their community, know what to do to be safe and mitigate danger, and take action to increase their preparedness.
According to www.beready.af.mil, after an emergency, all Air Force-affiliated personnel who are directly affected by major natural disasters or man-made events are to report their status to their command at the first available opportunity. In some cases, the Secretary of Defense will direct all Department of Defense-affiliated personnel in the affected area to report their accountability status as soon as possible. When this happens, you are to report your status online through the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System at https://afpaas.af.mil.
The Be Ready website also includes the Air Force Emergency Preparedness guide that includes information on what to do in any disaster man-made or natural.
Airmen and dependents are advised to always have family preparedness kits readily accessible, in addition to the Air Force Be Ready app on an app-compatible electronic device.
“Throughout my career as an emergency management technician, my supervision has always stressed the importance of monitoring and establishing a preparedness kit in and out of the hurricane season,” said Tech. Sgt. Amanda Given, 325th CES emergency management technician. “In some cases, supplies are likely to expire if not properly maintained and can result in ill-preparedness.”
A working weather radio, non-perishable food and water and other survival essentials are key items that should be included in a family's preparedness kits, she added.
Here are some other basic preparedness tips to know before the start of hurricane season:
HAVE A PLAN
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact emergency management for more information.
- Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. Also, make a family emergency communications plan.
- 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.
- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts,” or text “Tyndall” to 99000.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
- Hurricane winds can cause tree and branches to fall, so trim or remove damaged trees and limbs before hurricane season begins.
- Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any unclogged areas or debris to prevent water damage.
- Bring in outdoor objects like patio sets and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including garage doors. Many homes on base have storm shutters that can be installed to protect windows from debris.
- Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
- Make sure your family knows where to meet in the event of an emergency and how to contact each other.
- Ensure every family member knows how to get from home and other frequented locations (schools, office, daycare, etc.) to the predesignated meeting locations.
- Everyone should know where the family disaster supply kit is located. Print copies of your family emergency plan and place it within the kit.