Preparing for the 2010 hurricane season

  • Published
  • By Carl Bergquist
  • Air University Public Affairs
With this year's hurricane season beginning Tuesday and running through Nov. 30, officials advise that now is the time to get ready for heavy storms.

In preparation, Teri Baker, chief of 42nd Air Base Wing Plans and Resources, has put together a Guide to Hurricane Evacuation Support that gives tips about how to get ready for bad weather and all it brings.

Ms. Baker said the guide primarily falls within the preparedness phase, or actions that focus on planning for a hurricane, and that Maxwell-Gunter is geographically well suited to assist military members who might have to flee from storm-ravaged areas, or areas in danger of being hit by hurricanes.

Dave Scott, Maxwell Weather Office manager, said the National Hurricane Center is predicting 11 to 16 named storms, six to eight of them hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes for 2010.

"A good source of information regarding hurricane activity is the National Hurricane Center site at www.nhc.noaa.gov," he said. "On Fridays, the NHC has a hurricane preparedness update on the site that is worth checking out."

In the way of preparing at Maxwell-Gunter, Ms. Baker said there are some items everyone needs to have on hand if it becomes necessary to ride out a storm. Among the most important items are fresh water and food.

"Have a supply of non-perishable food and drinks, a manual can opener, vitamins and high energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix, available for the number of people who will need to be sustained," she said. "It is also good to have some 'comfort/stress' foods, such as cookies, candy, sweetened cereals, foods for infants and elderly people and foods for people on special diets to help ease the strain of the situation."

Ms. Baker said infant formula, diapers, powdered milk, bottles, medications, wipes and a "favorite toy or two" should be kept on hand for children, and adults should have medications, extra eyeglasses, denture supplies and cards, books or small games available.

"Don't forget cell phones and chargers, pre-paid phone cards, battery-operated radios, flashlights with extra batteries, road maps and cash, credit cards, traveler's checks and change," she said. "Also, have a complete first-aid kit, an extra set of car keys and paper plates, cups and plastic utensils on hand."

Ms. Baker said sanitary and personal hygiene items, plastic garbage bags, a complete change of clothing, blankets and pillows and important family documents, such as wills, deeds, stocks, bank account numbers, passports and family records, should also be available.

Ms. Baker said the Maxwell-Gunter community should keep in mind that the base may become a safe harbor for those directly affected by hurricanes.

"One thing to remember is that while we are preparing for the hurricane season, so are people who might have to evacuate to Maxwell-Gunter," she said. "Volunteers to help with evacuees are always welcome, and if you would like to volunteer, contact the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 953-2353."