JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- As Joint Base Charleston and other officials continue to monitor the approaching Hurricane Matthew, there are important steps that you should be taking now if you are in the projected effected areas.
Joint Base Charleston leadership encourages everyone to stay tuned to local news updates. 315th Airlift Wing personnel should also download the 315th AW mobile device app by searching "315th Airlift Wing" in their app store. Col. Gregory Gilmour, 315th AW commander, uses the app as one of the methods the wing uses to send important alerts and updates. Stay tuned to the 315th AW on Facebook HERE.
If Hurricane Matthew makes landfall in the United States, there is a distinct possibility there will be a need to account for personnel as directed by Air Force Watch. In the event JB Charleston is impacted by Hurricane Matthew and an AFPAAS event is activated, all 315 AW members, to include civilians, will report their status and current location in AFPAAS.
Members will update their emergency contact information (if displaced, the relocation address) and may also request assistance, if needed.
If an individual does not have internet access, contact numbers are available for the Air Force Personnel Readiness Cell and the AFPAAS Help Desk. Members may also contact their unit Command Representative (COR) or Installation Personnel Readiness, MSgt McAlister at (843) 963-5519.
Please remember that many areas may be in need for assistance in the wake of the storm. Power may be out for days and food, fresh water and medical items may be in short supply following the storm which is why accountability is critical. Information and status updates regarding Hurricane Matthew will be continuously posted on the 315 AW Facebook page.
The National Weather Service offers the below advice when preparing for a storm. When a hurricane threatens your community, be prepared to evacuate if you live in a storm surge risk area. Allow enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home.
Secure your home: Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit and ready to install. Buy supplies before the hurricane season rather than waiting for the prestorm rush.
Stayed tuned in: Check the websites of your local National Weather Service office and local government/emergency management office. Find out what type of emergencies could occur and how you should respond. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or other radio or TV stations for the latest storm news.
Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!
If NOT ordered to evacuate:
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
- Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
- If the eye of the storm passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm, but at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force winds coming from the opposite direction.