Be safe, be prepared prior to Hurricane Matthew

  • Published
  • By 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Seymour Johnson AFB is currently under Hurricane Condition 4, which means destructive winds are possible within 72 hours. 
 

Hurricane Matthew is forecast to take a sharp right turn on Saturday and head eastward into the Atlantic Ocean, which is more favorable for Seymour Johnson AFB. Matthew is still a strong Category 3 hurricane and expected to strengthen to a Category 4 when skirting Florida before it slowly weakens again.

Base housing residents should contact the Corvias 24/7 maintenance hotline to report damages or loss of power at (919) 988-6951, Option 8.

Members of Team Seymour are encouraged to install the AtHoc app to receive the most current base notifications directly to a smart phone. Follow the steps below to install the app or visit vimeo.com/105824011 for video instructions.

Step 1: Install the app

-              iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/athoc-notifier/id597971367?mt=8 

-              Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.athoc.panic&hl=en

-              Or search for “AtHoc” in your app store

Step 2: Register

-              Open app

-              Register your or your sponsor's af.mil e-mail address

Step 3: Verify your e-mail

-              Go to inbox

-              Find e-mail from AtHoc

-              Click “Verify Now” button

Step 4: Enter organizational code

-              Return to app

-              Enter: SJAFB

The Air Force Be Ready website offers the following information about hurricane terminology and actions to consider before, during and after hurricanes and floods. Visit www.beready.af.mil for more information. 

Know the Terms

Hurricane Watch - Issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 48 hours or less.

Hurricane Warning - Issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 36 hours or less.

Storm Surge - A huge dome of water pushed on shore by a hurricane.

HURCON 5 - Indicates destructive winds are possible within 96 hours.

HURCON 4 - Within 72 hours.

HURCON 3 - Within 48 hours

HURCON 2 - Within 24 hours

HURCON 1 - Within 12 hours

HURCON 1E - Storm Arrival

Actions to Consider for Hurricanes

BEFORE

-              Bring in outdoor objects and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. 

-              Secure your home by closing windows and removing outside antennas. 

-              Secure boats and/or RVs or move to a designated safe place.

-              Make a record of your personal property. Take photos or video of the exterior and interior of your home, including personal belongings. Store the documents in a safe place. If directed to evacuate, take the documents with you.

-             Assemble an emergency kit and review evacuation plans.

EMERGENCY KITS SHOULD INCLUDE

-              Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

-              Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

-              Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

-              Flashlight and extra batteries

-              First aid kit

-              Whistle to signal for help

-              Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

-              Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

-              Manual can opener for food

-              Local maps

-              Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

DURING

-              Listen to local radio or television for progress reports.

-              Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

-              Keep curtains and blinds closed.

-              Do not go outside when the eye passes over. Winds and rain will soon resume. 

AFTER

-              Tune into local radio and television stations for information about caring for your household, where to find medical help and how to apply for assistance.

-              Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company.

-              Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

-              Report property damage to your insurance agent immediately.

-              If you evacuated your community, do not return until authorities say it is safe.

Actions to Consider for Floods

BEFORE

-              Stay tuned to radio or television for updates.

-              Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

-              If your home is prone to flooding, move your furnace, water heater and electric panel to higher floors.

DURING

-              Stay tuned to radio or television for updates. 

-              Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Do not ever walk through moving water more than 6-inches deep.

AFTER

-              Be careful in areas where floodwaters have receded. 

-              Watch for downed electrical lines and weakened roads and bridges.

-              Stay out of flooded buildings and use caution when entering damaged structures. Their foundations may have weakened.

-              Avoid coming in contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated. If available, use gloves and if not, wash your hands if they get wet.

-              Discard any food that has come in contact with floodwater.

-              Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into buildings with the water.

-              Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.

-              Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

-              Report property damage to your insurance agent immediately.