FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
For the entire 2013 hurricane season, 13 named storms formed in the North Atlantic Basin, with two reaching hurricane strength, according to the National Weather Service. This year, the Atlantic hurricane season will run from June through November, but storms can occur before the season starts, sometimes without much warning.
In recognition of this year's National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25 through 31, members of the 733rd Mission Support Division Emergency Management Office recommend having an emergency plan in place with family members.
"Storms can be unpredictable," said Albert Collins, 733rd MSD emergency management specialist. "It's important to be prepared for any storm situation because they can come up quickly."
In the event of hurricanes, tornados or other severe weather events, planning and preparation is an effective way to ensure safety for all. Individuals should be aware of their surroundings and risk for specific weather.
Collins recommended individuals prepare an emergency kit and consider the needs of family members who may need help, such as the elderly, disabled, children and pets.
For a list of supplies to build a comprehensive kit, visit www.ready.gov/basic-supplies-kit.
"The most important thing to do is be engaged and develop a preparedness process," said Collins. "Include a first aid kit, food, lots of water and medicines that can sustain you and your family until the emergency passes."
Collins also recommended taking the following steps when preparing an emergency plan:
- Identify an appropriate shelter at home and in the community.
- Plan a route in case an evacuation is necessary.
- Seek guidance from local government emergency management organizations about disaster notifications and sign up for additional alerts through social media sites and local news agencies.
- Discuss each family member's responsibilities in the case of a shelter-in-place situation.
Whether enduring a storm or evacuating, having a plan can be the difference between life and death.
For more information about disaster preparedness, check out the following resources:
- Be Ready Air Force: http://www.beready.af.mil
- Ready Army: http://www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/ra_kids.htm
- U.S. Army Public Health Command's Emergency Preparedness & Response website: http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/emergencyresponse/Pages/default.aspx
- NOAA/National Weather Service Severe Weather Awareness website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/index.shtml
- NOAA Weather-Ready Nation website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation
- Virginia Tornado History: http://www.vaemergency.gov/news/history/tornado
- Ready Virginia: http://www.vaemergency.gov/ReadyVirginia and the Ready Virginia App. Get it by visiting: http://www.vaemergency.gov/News/readyvirginia/mobileapp
- Ready Hampton Roads: http://readyhamptonroads.org/Resources/Home.aspx
- FEMA's Ready.gov website: http://www.ready.gov/severe-weather
- Joint Base Langey-Eustis: mobile app available on Google Play and in the App store, http://www.jble.af.mil, JBLEStatus on Twitter, PinJBLE on Pinterest and JBLEgram on Instagram.