Severe Weather Preparedness: Be a Force of Nature

  • Published
  • By John Burt
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Within seconds, severe weather can turn deadly. In 2012, natural disasters in the United States caused more than 450 deaths, nearly 2,600 injuries and more than $32 million in property damages.

When dangerous weather strikes, staying informed and being prepared may mean the difference between life and death.

"Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility," said Mike Connors, the Air Force Emergency Manager and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division chief. "The better prepared you are, the more likely you'll be able to save a life, possibly even a family member's or your own."

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is March 2 - 8 and is sponsored annually by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This year's theme, "Be a Force of Nature: Take the Next Step," encourages everyone to know the risks specific to their area, take action to prepare and be an example of preparedness to others.

BE INFORMED
"Start by knowing which severe weather threats are common in your area and how this weather could affect you and your family," said Connors.

Whether it's tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme temperatures, NOAA provides threat information specific to each geographic region through its website. Air Force Emergency Management also offers emergency and disaster preparedness resources year-round with its "Be Ready" awareness campaign.

"Through Be Ready, we have an array of information and tools to help Airmen and their families be prepared for whatever the threat may be," said Sam Hazzard, emergency management education and training program manager.

One resource offered is the Air Force Emergency Preparedness Guide. It gives detailed information covering a wide range of natural and man-made threats, lists emergency numbers and websites, and provides emergency planning steps and sheltering information.

In 2013, the Air Force released the Be Ready mobile app as an on-the-go complement to its preparedness guide. Available for Motorola Android as well as Apple devices, this free app allows users to securely store important data such as emergency contacts and utility and insurance information.

"The Be Ready app has a family evacuation plan that you can customize to your needs," said Hazzard. "It also has a functional and customizable emergency supply checklist to help you build an emergency supply kit."

TAKE ACTION
After being informed, the next step is to gather items for an emergency supply kit. Basic items to consider include:

· one gallon of water per family member per day for at least three days;
· at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food;
· manual can opener;
· hand-cranked or battery operated radio, an all-hazards NOAA weather radio and extra batteries for both;
· first aid kit and manual;
· flashlight and extra batteries;
· a whistle to signal for help
· special needs items such as prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries;
· filter mask (or cotton t-shirt) to help filter the air;
· personal sanitation supplies, such as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties;
· food, water and other supplies and documents for pets;
· cell phone with chargers, inverters or solar charger;
· cash in the local currency;
· any tools needed for turning off utilities;
· local maps and your family emergency plan;
· important documents including will, medical, financial power of attorney, property and insurance documents;
· items for infants such as formula, diapers, bottles and pacifiers; and
· your command reporting information - know the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System or AFPAAS.

Emergency management experts encourage others to subscribe to free wireless emergency alerts. The alerts are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through mobile carriers. Most Air Force installations offer similar alert systems to advise military members and civilians of severe weather threats or emergency situations in the immediate area.

SPREAD THE WORD
To "Be a Force of Nature" also means telling others about steps you've taken to prepare for severe weather and encouraging them to do the same! By leading through example you could motivate family members, friends and neighbors to take actions that could save their lives or prevent serious injury.

For more information on building an emergency supply kit and other resources to help prepare for severe weather, contact your installation's emergency management office and visit the following websites:

Air Force Be Ready - http://www.BeReady.af.mil
NOAA Weather-Ready Nation - http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/force.html
Air Force Emergency Preparedness Guide - http://www.beready.af.mil/disastersandemergencies/
Information on building your Emergency Supply Kit - http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit
Wireless Emergency Alerts - http://www.ctia.org/your-wireless-life/consumer-tips/wireless-emergency-alerts