JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency allowing emergency responders to prepare for the potential impact of Hurricane Joaquin, Sept. 30, 2015.
As the hurricane is expected to impact the Hampton Roads, Virginia, region, Friday, Oct. 2, at approximately noon, personnel at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, are putting the final touches on storm provisions.
"Our first priority is the safety of our personnel, and we are continually monitoring the situation to determine the best course of action for personnel living and working on the installation," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Figiera, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron commander and Emergency Operations Center director. "Additionally, we coordinated the relocation of our aircraft to a military installation in an area that is not expected to be impacted by the storm."
At roughly 1 p.m. Oct. 1, approximately 40 aircraft and 100 personnel from the 1st and 192nd Fighter Wings at Langley AFB evacuated to Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. Fort Eustis relocated four watercraft and anticipates displacing additional units.
Base officials expect a total of seven to ten inches of rainfall in addition to nearly seven-foot storm surge flooding. Because of the anticipated amount of flooding, the Virginia Department of Health recommends personnel residing in the Hampton Roads region take the following precautions:
Before the Hurricane
- Check Emergency Supply Kit
Before hurricane season begins, check the contents of the emergency kits in your car and home and replace items that may have expired.
- Reduce Outdoor Hazards
o Debris, such as signs, roofing material, siding and small items left outside can cause injury and damage property due to strong winds from a hurricane. Before the storm be sure to:
o Bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.
o Have trees and shrubs professionally pruned before a hurricane approaches to reduce the risk of flying debris during a storm.
- Make an Evacuation Plan
o Before a hurricane, it is important to know the evacuation routes in the area. Discuss evacuation plans with loved ones, especially if in a low-lying area or within the greatest potential path of the storm. Locate area that may be prone to flooding due to storm surge.
o Mandatory Evacuation Order: Imminent threat to life and property exists. Individuals must relocate and seek refuge in an inland, non-evacuation area.
o Voluntary Evacuation Order: A threat to life and property may be imminent. Evacuation not required, but would be advantageous, particularly for tourists, elderly and those with special needs.
If directed to evacuate the area:
- Take only essential items with you.
- If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
- Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
- Make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready.
- Follow the designated evacuation routes--others may be blocked--and expect heavy traffic.
During the Hurricane
Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Because of the strong winds associated with a hurricane, flying debris and falling trees are possible. Seek shelter in an interior area of the home and refrain from going outside; winds often pick up strength as the eye of the storm passes.
Other tips for staying safe during a hurricane:
- Continue to monitor the radio or TV for updates.
- Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe area in the home (an interior room, a closet or bathroom on the lower level).
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
- If power is lost, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage.
- Do not go outside.
After the Hurricane
Many injuries occur in the aftermath of a hurricane.
- Discard any spoiled food.
- Stay out of impacted areas; do not sightsee.
- Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.
- Do not drive or walk through standing water.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
For more information about hurricane conditions, definitions and tips, visit www.jble.af.mil/library/hurricaneinformation/index.asp. For the most up-to-date JBLE operating status, "like" the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Facebook page, follow @JBLEStatus and @JBLENews on Twitter, and visit www.jble.af.mil.