Preparation, planning urged leading to peak hurricane season

Courtesy Photo | Hurricane season is fast approaching, bringing potential threats to military families stationed in coastal regions, particularly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, but it can also impact families further from the coast as well. When a hurricane or tropical storm is headed your way, preparation can mean the difference between safety and danger. (Defense Health Agency-Public Health graphic illustration by Rachel Stershic)  

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

08.29.2025

Story by Patrick Griffith 

316th Wing

The National Capital Region is in the midst of hurricane season – June 1 through Nov. 30 – with the peak of probability in September and people are encouraged to review their preparation plans and evacuation routes in case bad weather hits.

Knowing the operations status of Andrews before, during and after a storm is crucial for safety and mission readiness. The base communicates updates in several ways, and all personnel, families and mission partners are encouraged to stay connected through official channels, such as the base website (www.jba.af.mil) and the JBA Connect App. People are also encouraged to subscribe to emergency alerts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Erin became the first major hurricane of the season when it formed Aug. 11, 2025, and while it didn’t make landfall, it did have minor impacts as it traveled north along the East Coast. The hurricane reached a peak of Category 5 on Aug. 16 before weakening to Category 1 on Aug. 22 as it went past the coast of North Carolina.

When hurricanes are forecast to impact the area, base personnel should monitor weather updates closely and be ready to act. This may include securing outdoor property, adjusting travel plans, or preparing for shelter-in-place orders. If ordered to evacuate, follow instructions from local authorities and leadership promptly.

During an emergency, people may to need to survive rely on their own supplies for several days, and a kit with food, water and other supplies with basic household items would be ideal. According to ready.gov, a basic kit includes:

Water

Food

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert

Flashlight

First aid kit

Extra batteries

Whistle (to signal for help)

Dust mask (to filter contaminated air)

Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Manual can opener

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers and backup battery

Consider keeping smaller, portable kits in your vehicle and workplace in case you are away from home when an emergency occurs. Review and refresh your go kit every six months to ensure supplies are current and functional.

Personal preparedness reduces the strain on emergency responders and ensures that you and your family can weather disruptions safely. By assembling a go kit and staying connected to official Andrews information channels, you will be better prepared to respond quickly and effectively when storms approach.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2025
• Date Posted: 08.28.2025 14:30
• Story ID: 546750
• Location: JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, US