Stay informed, stay ready

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Hurricane season is here and Airmen assigned to the 4th Operations Support and Civil Engineer Squadrons are monitoring the weather and incorporating safety procedures to ensure members of Team Seymour remain safe.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency the Atlantic hurricane season begins in May and ends in November, with the peak season lasting from mid-August to late October. Hurricanes can affect all Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico areas.

The base weather flight does their part by observing weather patterns for potential disasters.

"During hurricane season we monitor the National Hurricane Center updates to see if anything is forming," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Steven Perez, 4th OSS weather flight superintendant. "We coordinate with the Operational Weather Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and they generate products that help determine what sort of impact Seymour Johnson Air Force Base would potentially experience from a hurricane."

The system the Air Force uses to inform personnel of an approaching hurricane is Hurricane Condition Warnings. The four HURCON levels used to describe hurricane conditions are:

· HURCON IV - 50 knot or greater winds possible within 72 hours.

· HURCON III - 50 knot or greater winds possible within 48 hours.

· HURCON II - 50 knot or greater winds possible within 24 hours.

· HURCON I - 50 knot or greater winds possible within 12 hours.

In order to maintain readiness during this season Airmen should check HURCON levels and prepare themselves and their families for the possibility of a storm.

"To really be prepared for hurricane season you need to have a kit," said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Shaun Ouellette, 4th CES emergency manager apprentice. "Make an emergency kit and communication plans with your family, loved ones and even your neighbors in case a storm hits."

An emergency kit is a collection of basic items needed to survive for 72-hours after a natural disaster. The kit should include non-perishable food, drinking water, water purification tablets, first-aid items and any other necessary items. A family emergency plan including, evacuation routes and local disaster-relief shelters, is also recommended.

"The fitness center, Heritage Hall and Southern Pines Inn are shelters on base," Ouellette said. "If you're in a shelter, do not go back to your house unless it has been presumed safe by an official."

When bad weather is approaching the weather flight briefs leadership so decisions can be made about how to best protect the base's assets and personnel.

"As far as immediate actions for the base, we coordinate with group and wing leadership to make sure they are kept up to date with the most relevant information to decide to evacuate aircraft and protect base personnel," Perez said.

After a hurricane or tornado passes, military members should remain in contact with their unit and let their families know they are ok. Those who remained who did not seek shelter on base should check their utilities for operation and monitor radio and TV stations for flood warnings.

For more information about hurricane season and emergency plans, contact the 4th CES readiness and emergency management flight at 919-722-7773 or visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

In addition, in the event of severe weather the Straight Talk line will be updated with pertinent information at 919-722-0000.