Check-in required; base restricted following hurricanes

  • Published
  • By Dan Galindo
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  In addition to making a family evacuation plan and stockpiling necessities for a storm's aftermath, reservists and civilian employees of the base have another responsibility.

All base employees are required to check-in within 48 hours after a crisis begins to notify your supervisors of your location, status and provide your contact information.

Either try to call your immediate supervisor first, or if communication networks are down at the base, call the 10th Air Force Crisis Action Team hotline at 1(800) 828-4624 ext. 5160 or ext. 3079.

"It's a good idea to try to let your unit know your plans and location before a storm," said Sean Quinn, chief of emergency management for the 482nd Fighter Wing.

Also, don't try to come to the base before or after a storm, he said. Homestead ARB does not have a hurricane shelter. Just as we live off-base, we must use our community storm shelters, and if county or state authorities issue evacuation orders, you should follow those directions.

He says that only individuals who are on post-storm recovery teams are permitted to return. Others attempting to return not only endanger their safety on the roads and waste fuel, but Security Forces will turn you away at the gate.

"We want to minimize the number of people on base," said Mr. Quinn. "Otherwise, if there is any damage, it would simply be unsafe here."

To find at whether or not you should return to the base, employees can call the information line set up by the 482nd Civil Engineering Emergency Management office at 1(800) 945-5328 or (305) 224-7691. Employees can find out who should or should not report to work, when to report, and what type of clothing and equipment one should bring.

If you have any questions regarding check-in procedures or hurricane preparation, feel free to call the Emergency Management office at (305) 224-7824.