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CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa - Mother Nature possesses an arsenal of destructive forces: tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and more. Regardless of the weather conditions they may bring, there are preventative measures which should be taken to prepare citizens for the worst.
With its sub-tropic climate, Okinawa is frequently struck by typhoons, with its peak season between June 1 through Nov. 30. During this time, local weather conditions create the highest risk for these powerful tropical cyclones.
Understanding the conditions and hazards typhoons may bring is crucial for families while weatherproofing their homes.
A typhoon produces high-speed winds and heavy rain. These circumstances can cause storm-water surges, flooding, landslides and property damage, according to the American Red Cross International Services. These conditions often lead to power outages and can compromise the running water systems in local communities.
When a typhoon is approaching, it is important to stock up on essential items like water, non-perishable food items, flashlights, batteries and first aid supplies. Residents should have enough supplies to last up to three weeks, as typhoons can last from two days to two weeks, according to the Central Weather Bureau.
Residents should check their property for potential fire hazards and leaks as well as knowing the shut-off points for their power and water, in the event utility shut-offs are required to ensure home safety during a storm.
Any items stored outdoors which can be displaced by strong winds should be moved to a stable area. This prevents potential damage to the owner’s property and those in the surrounding area, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Residents often are not aware of some of the possible hazardous after-effects of typhoons,” said Air Force Capt. Matthew J. Klick, the weather flight commander with the 18th Operations Support Squadron, 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. “One of these is flooding, which can damage property and water systems. Readiness procedures help prevent injuries and damages.”
In addition to stocking up on supplies and inspecting your residence for hazards and unsecured items outside, it is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of local weather updates.
Local information regarding current weather conditions is broadcast on American Forces Network television and radio stations, as well as online on various unit Facebook pages and www.shogunweather.com, according to Klick, a Bladensburg, Ohio, native.
These media outlets will also identify the Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness, which signal approaching weather conditions.
Each TCCOR indicates how far the storm may be from Okinawa, as well as current and anticipated wind speeds. The readiness level updates also give instructions regarding preventative measures so residents know exactly what to prepare for and when to prepare.
As a storm progresses into TCCOR 1, destructive winds anticipated within 12 hours, further conditions of readiness will be issued, providing further safety instructions such as school closures and the ceasing of all outdoor activity.
Once a typhoon has passed, only the 18th Wing commander has the authority to lower the typhoon readiness level and sound the “all clear” according to the U.S. Forces Japan instruction 15-4001.
Further updates and information regarding typhoon awareness and readiness levels is available at www.ready.gov, www.redcross.org and www.fema.gov.
For local TCCOR information, tune into AFN broadcasts or visit www.shogunweather.com.
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.14.2015 01:45 |
| Story ID: | 163263 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | BLADENSBURG, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Don’t be caught unprepared: Typhoon Readiness, by SSgt Janessa Dugan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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