JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va –
Are you prepared for hurricane season? According to the National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
The peak risk of hurricanes in the Hampton Roads area occurs from late August through late October.
In order to prepare, Joint Base Langley-Eustis members and their families are encouraged to first determine which evacuation zone their home is located in. To find out your zone, visit: https://www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup/
“The best thing you can do at this time of year is prepare,” said Capt. Michael Koba, 1st Operations Squadron weather flight commander. “Make sure you have a plan going into hurricane season, that way you’re ready and not caught off guard if and when a storm hits.”
Members and their families are reminded to keep COVID-19 restrictions in mind when creating a plan for inclement weather. If relocating and staying in a hotel is part of your plan, familiarize yourself with COVID-19 limitations and have a backup plan in the event restrictions change.
Items to prepare prior to hurricane season include:
• Make sure your Form 33, Hurricane Evacuation Preference sheet, is current
• Ensure your renters insurance and/or flood insurance covers damages sustained from a hurricane
• Have a contingency plan for your family as well as any pets
In addition to a plan, families should prepare an emergency kit. Recommended items include:
• Non-perishable food/water (1 gallon per person, per day, for at least 3 days)
• Emergency phone numbers/a plan for who to notify if evacuating
• Medications, a first aid kit and any other required medical supplies
• Cordless power supplies to charge cell phones, extra batteries
• Critical documents (forms of ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, plastic bags and garbage bags
• Extra face masks, gloves, socks
• Temperature-appropriate clothing
• Durable shoes for wet weather conditions
For more information about preparing your evacuation bag and your home for hurricane season, visit https://www.vaemergency.gov/prepare/supply-kit/
For more information specific to hurricanes in the Hampton Roads area, visit https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/hurricanes/