Airmen advised to prepare for Tropical Storm Hermine

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Solomon Cook
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tropical Storm Hermine finally has a name, and is expected to have the most significant impacts in the Panhandle area Sept. 1-2.

Airmen should anticipate strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, storm surge, possible tornadoes and increased rip current risk.

Tyndall personnel should review their preparedness plan, build and replenish emergency kits, and stay up to date with current forecasts to prepare for the storm.

The storm is not likely to have the same impact of Hurricane Ivan, which made landfall in September 2004. But members of Tyndall who were here during that time remember when the base had to disperse nearly 100 aircraft and secure dozens of hangars.

"We weren't really expecting much local impact, only heavy rain from the outer band,” said Chris Dahmer, 325th Fighter Wing information assurance officer. “Ultimately, it spawned about a dozen tornados across Bay County causing death, injury and a lot of damage. After Ivan, I learned the importance of always being hurricane ready at all times.”

The middle of August through middle of October is known as the peak of hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico, but Airmen should always be prepared, according to an emergency management official here.

“People should prepare for hurricane season no matter what time of year it is,” said Maurice Spikes, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management chief. “Protect your family, home, pets and belongings. Don’t wait until the last minute. Build your family plan now.”

In addition to the importance of individual families being prepared, Spikes also noted the work that goes into the base being hurricane ready.

“Preparation for hurricane season is a 365-day job and we are always thinking about and ensuring Tyndall is ready for the upcoming season,” Spikes said. “Currently, the 325th CES Readiness and Emergency Management Flight is updating the Tyndall AFB Installation Emergency Management Plan 10-2.”

The IEMP 10-2 is a plan that explains how the base responds to emergencies of all kinds, including hurricanes. The emergency management flight also hosts hurricane briefings for base residents to educate the base populace things like family and home preparation, evacuation procedures, safe haven locations and more, Spikes said.

Some Airmen and families may be from other areas of the country that do not experience hurricanes, so the emergency management flight also does hurricane briefings on request at squadron events.

“From May to November, hurricane briefings are conducted monthly to educate the base populace,” Spikes said. “If requested, emergency management personnel will attend any event that gives us a chance to educate people on ways to be safe during hurricane season. Every year we host a hurricane poster contest with Tyndall Elementary hoping to reach out and educate even the children.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states on their website that during this time the activity spikes, accounting for 78 percent of the tropical storm days, 87 percent of the category 1 and 2 hurricane days, based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and 96 percent of the major category 3, 4 and 5 hurricane days.

Due to our proximity to the Gulf and limited exit routes from Tyndall, it is important for everyone to prepare for hurricanes, Spikes added.

In case of hurricane emergencies and notifications, Spikes stated that there are multiple methods of obtaining information.

“We use several media outlets -- Facebook, Twitter, text, local TV and radio stations -- to get the word out,” Spikes said. “We also promote the Air Force ‘Be Ready’ campaign, which provides information that can be used to prepare families for disasters.”

No matter the time of year, the professionals of the Emergency Management Flight will continue to look out for Tyndall’s assets, Airmen and their families.

“Our first job is to get as many people out of harm’s way as possible,” Spikes said. “A minimum force will be left behind to ensure security of the base and determine damage to the installation. After the storm passes it is this team’s job to get the base back operational as fast as possible.”

To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit www.beready.af.mil. For more information on briefings, call the Readiness & Emergency Management Office at 850-283-2010.