Hurricane readiness begins now

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt Editor
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  No one likes to think about the worst that could happen, but failing to allow for the threat or aftermath of a hurricane comes with consequences too great to ignore.

Hurricane season kicked off June 1, which means the push is on to ensure MacDill personnel are ready, said Leighton Reid, emergency management technician with the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron. That's particularly important this year, as a more active hurricane season is predicted by the experts, he said.

There also are changes Tampa Bay residents need to note.

Flood zones have been changed to include areas that previously were not in flood zones, or areas that were categorized as lesser flood zones, said Mr. Reid. Everyone in the region should look at the 2011 evacuation maps to be sure what flood/evacuation zone they are in. Those maps are available on the Web at http://tbrpc.org/tampabaydisaster/hurricane_guides2011.shtml, or via the hurricane information link on the right side of the home page of the MacDill Air Force Base Web site at www.macdill.af.mil.

Another change for 2011 is that storm warnings have been moved up 24 hours sooner, allowing more time for preparation.

The message from Emergency Management is simple, said Mr. Reid:
"Update you plan; be early; don't wait to be told what to do," he said. "Now is the time to prepare."

The above links also provide preparedness information, including what types and quantities of food to have on hand, water supply planning, materials and equipment such as radios, batteries and evacuation strategies. Mr. Reid said it is better to be "over prepared."

"I'd have as many as six sets of batteries," he said. "You never know how long you might be without power."

He also advises having cash on hand, as banks and ATM machines may be down for some time in the wake of a storm.

"I prepare for at least 14 days," Mr. Reid said. "You have to ask yourself, what will you do without power for that long - without food or water?"

It may seem like an unlikely scenario in this day and age, but Hurricane Katrina provided valuable lessons in reality.

"All you have to do is go through one of these monsters and you appreciate what it's all about," said Mr. Reid.

Another aspect of planning for 6th Air Mobility Wing members includes coordinating with their units to identify a safe house and a safe haven. A safe house is a home in the general Tampa Bay area that is not located in an evacuation zone for storms up to Category 3. A safe haven is a location used in the event of mandatory evacuations for all, which is issued for Category 4 and 5 storms. A safe haven may be a location far from Tampa Bay or even outside of the state.