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MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and MacDill Air Force Base leaders are urging personnel to prepare.
Col. Ed Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing and installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Raun Howell, 6th ARW command chief, encourage personnel, especially newcomers, to take proactive steps to ensure safety and mission continuity through the end of the season, Nov. 30.
“Hurricanes are part of life here,” Howell said in a public service announcement. “We can't control storms, but we can control our preparation.” Szczepanik added, “Know your zone, build a kit, make a plan and stay prepared.”
MacDill AFB is home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and 32 additional mission partners who all need to weather the storms.
The 2025 hurricane preparedness campaign emphasizes four actions: Know Your Zone, Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Stay Prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service predicts above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity, with a 60% chance of an above-normal season, 30% chance of a near-normal season, and 10% chance of a below-normal season. It forecasts 13-19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), including 6-10 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher) and 3-5 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher), with 70% confidence.
Know Your Zone
“First, know your zone,” Howell said. Evacuation zones A-E indicate areas most vulnerable to storm surges, with Zone A at highest risk. Check zones at floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone. “If your zone isn't ordered to evacuate, consider sheltering in place, but ensure your home can withstand strong winds and heavy rain,” Szczepanik said. Visit macdill.af.mil for base-specific guidance.
Evacuation and Flood Zones
Evacuation zones, mapped by the National Hurricane Center, may be ordered to evacuate based on storm surge risk. In Hillsborough County, zones range from A (most vulnerable) to E, with some areas outside evacuation zones. Flood zones, identified by FEMA, indicate year-round flood risk from heavy rain or other sources, affecting insurance and building requirements. Zones include A (special flood hazard area), B, C, D, V, or X. A property may be in a non-evacuation zone but a high-risk flood zone, or vice versa. Check evacuation zones at floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone and flood zones at fema.gov/flood-maps.
Get a Kit
Szczepanik emphasized building a hurricane kit with essentials for up to several days without power, including nonperishable food, water (1 gallon per person per day), medications, hygiene items, flashlights, batteries, and, if possible, a generator. Include insurance papers and, if applicable, pet supplies. Secure outdoor items like furniture, toys, grills, or boats to prevent debris hazards. “You don't want those items thrown into your home,” Szczepanik said. Find checklists at ready.gov/kit and floridadisaster.org.
Make a Plan
“Now is the time to update your emergency data and life insurance,” Szczepanik said. Develop a family emergency plan with communication strategies and evacuation routes using MacDill's disaster planning guide at macdill.af.mil. Update Virtual Record of Emergency Data and Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance at myfss.us.af.mil. Prior to a storm, document property with photos or videos for insurance, storing records safely or taking them during evacuation.
Be Prepared
Before a storm, secure outdoor items, board up windows, remove antennas and store water in disinfected containers. Set refrigerators to their coldest setting and keep vehicle gas tanks full. During a storm, take refuge in a small interior room, avoiding windows and upper floors. “Stay informed,” Szczepanik said. “Our team will provide updates on MacDill's Facebook page.” After a storm, stay in a safe location until cleared by authorities, avoid flooded roads and report damage to insurers.
Learning From Past Storms
MacDill's approach draws from 2024's Hurricanes Helene and Milton, when aircraft were relocated to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and personnel evacuated. A reverse storm surge spared MacDill from severe flooding during Milton, but officials urge vigilance. “Don't wait until a storm is on the radar. Start preparing today. Stay safe and stay ready,” Howell said.
Upcoming Briefings
The Military and Family Readiness Center will host hurricane preparedness briefings June 17, Aug. 12, and Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Base Theater (Bldg. 41), except June 17 at the Military and Family Readiness Center Annex (Bldg. 38). Topics include emergency management, financial preparedness, the Exceptional Family Member Program, and stress management, with a resource fair. Call 813-828-0145 for details.
“MacDill is so much more than acreage and buildings,” Szczepanik said. “Team MacDill is our people, our partners and our airpower. Together, we can preserve those three things if we are ready for whatever this season brings.”
For storm preparedness and updates, visit nhc.noaa.gov or floridadisaster.org/planprepare/counties. For more, go to macdill.af.mil, tampa.gov, or hcfl.gov.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 09:35 |
| Story ID: | 499717 |
| Location: | MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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