Commander, US 2nd Fleet sailors attend a disaster preparedness briefing conducted by Gene Lambert, emergency manger for Naval Station Norfolk

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Garst | Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet sailors attend a disaster preparedness briefing conducted by Gene Lambert, emergency manger for Naval Station Norfolk. Lambert informed the sailors on hurricanes, evacuation routes and the dangers of storm surges.  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

07.29.2011

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Garst 

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet   

NORFOLK, Va. -- With hurricane season in full swing, the staff of Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet conducted a disaster preparedness briefing, July 29, focusing on the importance of having a plan to deal with potential disasters.

On hand to provide information about evacuation routes, closures and storm surges was Gene Lambert, emergency manager for Naval Station Norfolk. Fleet and Family Support Center's Linda Wilkinson spoke about the importance of safety, having a plan and keeping family members informed on evacuation travel plans.

Planning for the unknown is an important piece of the puzzle for all service members, single or married with kids.

"It is just a matter of time before there is another disaster," said Capt. Chuck Minter, 2nd Fleet acting chief of staff. "You need to have the mind set of, what do I need to have set up before the disaster comes."

Staff members were encouraged to keep a supply kit at home and in their vehicle, which should consist of batteries, two-way radios, manual can openers, first-aid kits, cell phone chargers, a weather band radio, water storage containers and storm shutter devices made for storm damage prevention. The kit should include enough supplies for at least three days.

"There are too many times when sailors are not ready for a disaster," said Chief Petty Officer David Perrin. "Hopefully this brief shows sailors how to come up with a plan and what items they should put into their survival kit."

From natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes, to man-made disasters such as factory explosions and terrorist attacks, individuals and families need to plan on what to do, and where to go.

"The information we received today showed me the evacuation routes, what I should have in my emergency kit and what I need to do to be more prepared," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamar Lewis. "This briefing had a lot of good information that everyone should remember."

• Date Taken: 07.29.2011
• Date Posted: 08.02.2011 15:56
• Story ID: 74708
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US