Hurricane season peaks during National Preparedness Month Published Sept. 22, 2014 By Senior Airman Aja Heiden 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- September is National Preparedness Month; with severe storms and weather being a regular event in the lives of South Floridians, this month's focus is on hurricane preparedness to protect residents and their families before a storm. Hurricane season is June 1- Nov. 30 with the peak period from early August through the end of October. "Hurricanes are unyielding, catastrophic forces of nature and they can spawn a variety of other hazards besides strong winds," said Jason Sundin, chief of emergency management for the 482nd Civil Engineer Squadron. "People should take weather advisories seriously since that could mean life or death." There are steps that can be taken to prepare before a hurricane hits: stock up on necessary supplies, secure yard and home, and update contact information. "The over-all rule for hurricane preparedness says to have enough supplies to last at least three days," said Sundin. These are some items officials suggest stocking up on these emergency kit items: - Non-perishable foods - Have at least 1 to 2 gallons of water, per day for each person in the home - First-aid kit - Cash, most stores will only accept cash after the storm when the power is out - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, a nationwide radio station broadcasting continuous weather information - Flashlights and batteries - Toiletries and personal hygiene items - Three day supply of medications There are also steps that can be taken to protect homes if a storm warning is in place. "Put up hurricane shutters or cover all windows and doors with shielding materials before a storm," said Sundin. "Bring in light-weight objects such as garbage cans, garden tools, toys and lawn furniture. They will become projectiles damaging your home and others if left out during a hurricane." Careful planning and preparation before a storm are key components to staying safe during a storm. Officials warn the biggest safety issue during a hurricane is lack of preparation. "Unlike most natural disasters, we have the technology to alert residents of hurricanes days in advance," said Sundin. "Take advantage of it, most safety issues occur due to disregard to weather watches or warnings and not being ready or preparing your family." Even if weather reports indicate residents will not be located in the direct path of a hurricane, they should remain prepared and vigilant. "Some may think they're safe since the eye of the storm is not hitting them directly, but hurricanes can generate dozens of tornadoes miles away from the eye," said Sundin. "Hurricanes also bring floods either from storm surges or heavy down pouring rain. Six inches of fast-moving water can sweep an adult off their feet and it takes only two feet of water to carry most vehicles away. Also after the storm, many hidden hazards exist like downed power lines in the water left from a storm." After the storm the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS) can be used to track damage and recovery statues. The Air Force designed AFPAAS to improve global disaster personnel accountability management, reporting and case management across the Air Force. It monitors the recovery process for personnel and their families affected by events such as hurricanes. "Make sure AFPAAS has your most current information before a storm hits," said Sundin. The final step in preparing for a storm is creating an evacuation plan. "When creating an evacuation plan ask: where can you go, is your emergency kit ready, does your family know the plan," said Senior Airmen Lorenzo R. Internicola, emergency management specialist for 482nd CES. Although the focus of National Preparedness Month is to be prepared before a storm, it's important to look at the steps to follow during and after a storm to ensure continued safety. "During a storm the biggest dangers are debris breaking through windows, flooding, and unsafe roadways," said Internicola. "Take precautions before the storm to protect against these hazards. Check your vehicle's tires; listen to the radio updates to know what dangers to avoid and safe evacuation routes." Being prepared before a storm can save your life or the lives of family. "It's your responsibility to protect your family by being hurricane prepared," said Sundin. The following websites have hurricane and tropical storm information and tips for preparedness before a storm: - National Hurricane Center has information at www.nhc.noaa.gov. - Miami-Dade County Emergency Center has instructions at www.miamidade.gov/emergency. - Air Force Ready campaign provides plans and kit information at http://www.ready.gov/. - American Red Cross offers localized contact information at www.redcross.org. - Installation status line will provide the current status of the base and instructions on what to do at 786-415-4000. - For shelter information, water, and other needs call 1-800-435-9941.