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Three steps for better hurricane preparedness

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs
  • 315th Airlift Wing
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  It has been over 20 years since the Lowcountry was directly impacted by a major hurricane -- Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The storm killed 26 people in South Carolina alone and destroyed billions of dollars in property.

Even if Hurricane Irene passes us by, you should take this opportunity to prepare. Hurricane season is from June1 to November 30 so it's not too late to be on the safe side and take steps early. The most important thing about being prepared is not waiting until the last minute. If you follow these three steps you and your family will be better prepared for any disaster.

Step 1: Build A Kit / "To-Go Bag"
As members of the Air Force Reserve, we'd like to think that our training and preparedness will also help us better weather a disaster or other emergency situation even when we are not not in uniform.

Create an emergency kit that includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate.

Step 2: Make a Plan 
Reservists are also expert planners. There probably isn't anything we do on the job without a well developed plan that everybody knows inside and out. The same thing is important in regards to the . Have a plan, know it well, and make sure all your family and friends know of your plan. Planning at the last minute may be too late and is never a good idea.

Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

You should also consider:
· Evacuation plans
· Family communications
· Utility shut-off and safety
· Safety skills

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the NFIP Web site, www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

In addition to insurance, you can also:
· Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
· Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
· Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
· Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
· Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
· Turn off propane tanks.
· Install a generator for emergencies
· Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
· Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
· Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.

Step 3: Be Informed
In order to know when your plan needs to be implemented, you must to stay informed on current conditions. Hurricane hazards come in many forms: lightning, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, even landslides or mudslides can be triggered in mountainous regions. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
· A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
· A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

Recommended Training
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute has developed a training program to encourage community hurricane preparedness. This computer-based course provides basic information about dealing with tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Visit www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is324a.asp and select the 'take this course' option at the top of the right hand column to take the interactive web-based course.

For more details about being prepared, visit www.ready.gov. 

To keep up to date on this and other news about the 315th Airlift Wing, visit us online at www.315awpa.afrc.af.mil . You can also follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.