Seymour Johnson AFB emphasizes preparation for hurricane season

Published June 1, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Michael Charles
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The hurricane season is upon us and there is no better time to prepare than right now.
Proper planning and knowledge can be powerful allies during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 in the Atlantic region.

In preparation for the possibility of a hurricane near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, the 4th Fighter Wing conducted an exercise May 29, to practice procedures in the eventuality that a hurricane affects the Airmen and families on the installation.

During the exercise, unit representatives from across the installation prepared for a category four hurricane on a trajectory toward the North Carolina coast over the course of a simulated five days. Each worked through their emergency response checklists for the appropriate procedures and actions leading up to the storm making landfall.

"This exercise is important to ensure every unit has the processes in place to safeguard our Airmen, their families and the installation's military assets, in the eventuality there is a hurricane threat in the region," said Lt. Col. Panos Bakogiannis, 4th Fighter Wing Inspector General.

The annual exercise, hosted by the 4th Fighter Wing Inspector General, also acted as a dry rehearsal for units who need to work cooperatively in the event there is a threat of a hurricane in the region.

The National Weather Service estimates that approximately three to six hurricanes will make landfall in the United States this year.

"Even though there is no accurate way to predict where a hurricane may be, there is always a chance that because of Seymour Johnson AFB's location in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country, the installation may have to deal with one in the future," Bakogiannis said. "It's important to refine our procedures and get answers to any obstacles that may hinder our preparedness, response or recovery as early as possible. If we don't ask these questions now, there may not be enough time to do so in the midst of an actual emergency situation."

Seymour Johnson AFB is located less than 50 miles from the Atlantic coastline and is no stranger to its share of hurricanes.

Last year, a situation similar to the exercise scenario occurred, in which Hurricane Arthur, a category three hurricane, made landfall on the North Carolina coast causing the installation to reposition more than 50 F-15E Strike Eagles and two KC-135R Stratotankers.

State officials would later release that the storm resulted in several power outages and more than $3 million worth of damage to North Carolina.

Learning from last year's storm, the exercise also incorporated challenges that would help units better prepare to care for Airmen and their families during a hurricane. These situations included response to communication outages and power loss to base support facilities.

The 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Team was also on hand to brief unit leaders on the importance of each of their assigned Airmen and families to develop a hurricane preparedness plan.

Developing a plan for hurricane season is more than just essential for Airmen and their families; it is vital," said Airman 1st Class Haley White, 4th CES emergency management team member. " It's important to be prepared before hurricanes and tropical storms occur because there can be very little warning."

They briefed that each family's plan should include an emergency supply kit that will help families endure the storm and pass the time. These kits should include three days' worth supply of food, first aid kit, flashlights and a radio with extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, a tool kit, hygiene items, trash bags, spare clothing and rain gear, blankets, medications, entertainment items and important documents.

The emergency management team also recommended that each family develop an evacuation plan to help familiarize them with the evacuation process.

According to White, knowing the location of local emergency shelters and alternate routes can decrease the likelihood of people becoming disoriented or stranded should they find themselves in a situation where the 4th FW commander has ordered an evacuation of the installation.

"The more information you know; the better off you and your family will be," White said. It can be the difference maker in ensuring your safety.

For more information on how to prepare you or your family for a hurricane, click here for the hurricane preparedness checklist, or visit the Seymour Johnson AFB hurricane page on the website at www.seymourjohnson.af.mil.