Photo By Tech. Sgt. Aaron Jenne | The 4th Fighter Wing Safety Office encourages Team Seymour members to create a...... read more read more
Subscribe
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - This time of year, North Carolina can expect a visit from an angry boy or girl leaving a terrible path of destruction in his or her wake.
Names like Andrew, Katrina and Sandy can bring images to people’s minds of just how destructive hurricanes can be.
Preparation and knowledge can be powerful allies during hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 in the Atlantic region.
According to the National Weather Service Hurricane Center, now is the time to prepare a plan should people find themselves in the path of a storm. It only takes one hurricane to devastate the lives of an unprepared family.
Hurricane Irene was the last hurricane to impact Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, in 2011. It caused power outages, downed trees and blown transformers, but thanks to the preparation of Airmen on base, no injuries were reported.
“There will be damage after the storm comes, so we have to be very cautious and do things as safely as possible while cleaning up debris,” said Staff Sgt. Pierre Convers, 4th Fighter Wing ground safety craftsman. “From broken glass to bent metal, we make sure to use good risk management processes when cleaning up.”
According to Airman 1st Class Timothy Roberts, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management journeyman, proper planning can save lives during potential storm catastrophes.
“The emergency management flight conducts wing exercises in accordance with the Installation Emergency Management Plan 10-2 to help prepare the installation for a hurricane,” Roberts said. “Simple things like proper planning, keeping an emergency kit and creating an evacuation plan can save lives.”
Storms are unpredictable, their course can shift several times, Roberts added. Stocking up on nonperishable foods and water early ensures pantries are full when the store shelves are empty. Power and utility outages are likely, therefore people may not be able to cook food or keep perishable items fresh.
Roberts also suggested bringing outdoor objects inside and anchoring objects that can’t be. In the strong winds of hurricanes, untethered items can become shrapnel.
Emergency supply kits help families endure storms and pass the time. These kits should include three days’ worth supply of food, first aid kit, flashlights and a radio with extra batteries, fire extinguisher, tool kit, hygiene items, trash bags, spare clothing and rain gear, blankets, medications, entertainment items and important documents.
It is important to have an evacuation plan and share it with family, Roberts said. Listen to radios or watch TV to keep up to date as the storm progresses. If an evacuation is ordered, knowing where emergency shelters are located, how to get there and alternate routes can decrease the likelihood of people getting stranded.
Farther inland, hurricanes produce powerful winds and rain. The strong winds often create prime conditions for tornadoes as well.
Hurricane flood and wind damage isn’t the only risk. Flooding often leads to disease, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organization.
Flood and wind damage can also leave buildings structurally unstable or riddled with toxic mold. Fungi can cause itchiness, sneezing asthma attacks and serious lung damage in healthy people, and can be even worse for people with weakened immune systems or existing conditions.
Bees, fire ants, snakes and other animals may pose a risk especially if their habitats have been destroyed.
For more information on hurricanes or disaster relief, call the Wing safety office at (919) 722-4093, or visit http://www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide.
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2014 08:46 |
| Story ID: | 133468 |
| Location: | SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Team Seymour prepares for 2014 hurricane season, by TSgt Aaron Jenne, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT