HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE -- It is Hurricane Preparedness week and emergency managers across the nation are urging people to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season.
Hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends Nov. 30.
Experts at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration are expecting an average season, which will produce approximately 13 named storms six of which may be hurricanes and two of those could be major hurricanes.
“The rule of thumb is to be self-sufficient for three days without power,” said Jason Sundin, the 482nd Mission Support Group chief of emergency management. “Water is life. You need one to two gallons per person, per day, for three days, first aid kits, medications, insurance information, hotel locations, evacuation plans, locations of official of shelters and your evacuation zone in case of mandatory evacuation. Call your county EM office for the locations of shelters and to verify your evacuation zone.”
Base personnel can call 786-415-4000 for a prerecorded message for reporting instructions during hurricanes and other disasters.
Military and government civilians can also use the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System to receive helpful information.
“Military, government civilians and their families can call 1-800-435-9941 to get information on where to find food, shelter and medical assistance,” said Sundin. “It’s important to go into AFPAAS and update your information so this service can better assist and account for you and your loved ones.”
Leaving the area may not always be an option for everyone. Those staying at home can take measures to help ensure their safety by taking steps to mitigate environmental hazards within their homes.
“If you’re staying home during a storm, turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting to help preserve food in case of a power outage,” said Sundin. “Turn off utilities if told to by local authorities because it could mean there could be containments in the water. Be on the lookout for tornadoes. Hurricanes can spawn dozens of them. If the eye of storm is overhead it is still not safe to be outside.”
After a hurricane runs its course, it leaves more than rubble behind. There are often hidden hazards in the affected areas.
“More people suffer injuries after the storm than during because of hidden dangers like live downed power lines, tripping hazards and fast moving water,” said Sundin. “It only takes six inches of water to knock someone off their feet. Remain on firm ground and avoid flooded areas.”
When the base is threatened by a hurricane, Hurricane notifications, labeled “HURCON,” are sent out. Understanding the HURCONs can be confusing to some but here’s what they mean.
HURCON 4—Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph, could arrive within 96 hours.
HURCON 3—Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph, could arrive within 72 hours.
HURCON 2—Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph, could arrive within 48 hours
HURCON 1-- Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph, could arrive within 24 hours
For more information on hurricane preparedness click here or call the Homestead ARB Emergency Management Office at 786-415-7824.