TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. –
Team Tyndall conducted a week-long hurricane preparedness exercise which will simulated the steps to be taken during base Hurricane Conditions levels five through one.
The Atlantic hurricane season will begin June 1 and end Nov. 1. It is vital Airmen know and understand the HURCON condition levels.
During the entire season, the base is considered in HURCON 5 until further precautions need to be taken. Below are the HURCON levels, and their conditions.
HURCON 4: Indicates surface winds in excess of 45 mph (40 knots) could arrive within 96 hours.
HURCON 3: Indicates surface winds in excess of 45 mph could arrive within 72 hours.
HURCON 2: Indicates surface winds in excess of 45 mph could arrive within 48 hours.
HURCON 1: Indicates surface winds in excess of 45 mph could arrive within 24 hours.
HURCON 1E: Indicates surface winds in excess of 45 mph are occurring and other dangerous condition associated with the storm are present. All outside activity is strictly prohibited.
HURCON 1R: Indicates life-threatening storm hazards have passed but damage may persist and only emergency responders and damage assessment personnel are released to move about.
In the last three weeks leading up to the season, there are several ways to prepare. Airmen are required to verify and update their information in
Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System. This includes emergency contact information.
Families are encouraged to prepare Disaster Kits. For a list of items click
here.
Expect the unexpected:
· A hurricane brings a number of threats: high winds, storm surge, tornadoes and flooding. For a more in-depth understanding of each of these characteristics, please refer to the Readiness and Emergency Management SharePoint or Facebook page.
· Many times high winds from a hurricane can blow in a garage door, and then the rest of the house. Make sure that the house is up to proper building codes.
Be prepared:
· Buy plywood to cover windows or install shutters. If hurricane winds break the windows, wind and rain can get into the house causing great damage or loss of the house. Remember, taping windows does little if anything in protecting from damage or harm.
· Survey the property for items that can be thrown by the wind, especially trees that could fall on the house. Cut the dead branches away. Consider cutting the tree, if it poses a threat to destroy the house if toppled.
· A chainsaw can help cut trees that have fallen on houses or blocked roads.
· A portable generator may also be useful in the event that power is lost.
· Have a portable radio on hand including a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio to receive news bulletins.
· Check that flashlights work properly and have extra ones in case one breaks.
· Stock up on supplies like non-perishable foods, medications, diapers, formula, batteries, bottled water and pet food. Have an extra propane tank for the grill in case the power goes out. Sometimes power is lost for days when a severe hurricane hits.
Have a plan:
· Know elevation above sea level and be familiar with local tides.
· Know how high the normal high tides are to get an idea of the danger from storm tides.
Talk to the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight who knows the historical high tides. Hurricanes can push high water many miles inland. If living on the coast, waves will also add to the height of the storm tide.
· Have an evacuation plan. Buy a detailed map and devise several escape routes in case one or more of the paths are closed for some reason.
· Locate relatives, friends or hotels for accommodation when outside of the threat zone.
· Write down phone numbers of emergency contacts, hotels and insurance companies.
· Ensure that proper insurance coverage is purchased, including flood insurance if living near the coast or in a flood prone area.
· Know where to send pets in case of evacuation. Some hurricane shelters or hotels will not allow pets.
· Take a CPR and First Aid class.
· Find a safe room in the house. It should be a small, well-enforced room on the lowest floor and away from windows. If there is a flood threat, it is best to locate the nearest shelter and plan to go there.
For more information on answers to your questions about local hazards contact the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight at (850) 283-2010.
Additional information can be found at www.noaa.gov; www.floridadisaster.org; www.tyndall.af.mil/library/tyndallhurricanepage.asp