Hurricane preparation key to weathering storms

  • Published
  • By Harry Lundy
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Members of the 4th Fighter Wing are in the early part of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. The memories of Katrina remain and the season's first hurricane, Bertha, reminded everyone of the need to be ready. Wing organizations have plans in place and individual families should have the same. 

Preparation should begin at least 30 days in advance to cover insurance waiting periods. It should be completed three days before the storm arrival. Being organized beforehand allows time to collect supplies before they run out. 

In case of a natural disaster, and at the direction of Col. Steve Kwast, 4th FW commander, the Airman and Family Readiness Center will become the Family Assistance Center in order to offer assistance. Faye Jenkins is their community readiness consultant. 

"We provide info and support families by bringing in representatives from other agencies like Air Force Aid," Mrs. Jenkins said. "We also have hurricane information brochures." 

In June, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight distributed a hurricane information brochure to base housing residents. The booklet provides a checklist of actions to take before the hurricane. 

The first step in a preparation plan is insurance. Homeowners should already have a policy in effect. Renters need to ensure they are insured since landlords only insure the structure. It is the homeowner or renter's responsibility to insure their belongings. 

Remember homeowner's and renter's insurance will not cover damage to belongings in the event of a flood, landslide, mudslide or mudflow. The National Flood Insurance Program provides people with the flood coverage they need. For assistance, contact an insurance agent. 

Important papers should be kept together and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Documents to consider safeguarding are all insurance policies, wedding and birth certificates, home, auto and boat owners' slips (deeds, titles, etc.), personal property inventory for claims, and wills. 

If staying at home for the storm, make sure it will be able to withstand the storm. Initially, bring in any items that can become a projectile in the storm wind. Anything that cannot be brought inside should be securely fastened. 

Inside the home, be sure to have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for everyone. There should also be one gallon a day supply of water for each individual to last at least three days. 

Extra medicine should be available as well. If at all possible, obtain an extra bottle of each prescription. Keep an emergency contact to a family physician handy as well. 

If evacuating, ensure the vehicle is ready for the trip. Check the car for its serviceability. Perform preventative maintenance as time permits. 

Before heading out, fill the vehicle's gas. The trunk should contain the necessary emergency equipment such as a spare tire, jack and lug wrench, and road flares. 

Finally, ATMs may not be operable during or after a storm. Have enough cash on hand to last a few days. Try to keep the denominations to $20 or smaller. 

These are just a few items to help get started on creating a hurricane checklist. Every list will be tailored to the specific needs of each family. For a more detailed list, reference the Seymour Johnson Hurricane Information Brochure. The brochure can be accessed electronically from the public Web site, www.seymourjohnson.af.mil, under Hurricane Information.