CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
With the Atlantic Ocean hurricane season beginning June 1 and ending Nov. 30, agencies at Charleston AFB have been working to ensure the base is prepared.
While hurricane season begins in the summer and ends in the fall, it is expected to peak Sept. 10, said Tech. Sgt. Gerald McPherson, 437th Operations Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of the Combat Weather Flight.
The National Hurricane Center has forecasted 12-16 named storms and six to nine that will reach hurricane strength.
"While it is statistically unlikely a hurricane will hit Charleston AFB, we need to be prepared," said Sergeant McPherson.
Charleston AFB uses a system of hurricane conditions to determine what preparatory actions to take.
During HURCON 4, the storm is 72 hours away. The base begins preparing for the hurricane, taking actions such as accounting for all personnel and securing facilities and equipment.
In HURCON 3, the storm is 48 hours away. The base typically begins to evacuate aircraft. During HURCON 2, the storm is 24 hours away and non-essential personnel are released to care for their families and homes.
In HURCON 1, the storm is 12 hours away. All preparations should be complete. If necessary, evacuation orders should be followed. Remain indoors if riding out the storm.
Team Charleston members should be prepared in the event of a hurricane. According to the National Hurricane Center people living in coastal areas should follow the guidelines below.
Before the storm strikes:
· Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food.
· Purchase bottled water; one gallon of water per person per day for up to two weeks.
· Check emergency equipment (flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, emergency generators, etc.) and purchase extra batteries.
· Consider the installation of shutters over windows and doors. Depending on the design of your home, plywood works well, but stock up early.
· Monitor official weather bulletins.
· Keep extra cash on hand, as automatic teller machines or banks don't operate without power.
· Review evacuation routes.
· Arrange for safe sheltering for your pet if you must evacuate. Public shelters don't accept pets.
· Keep your vehicle's fuel tank full.
· Move yard items inside, such as patio furniture.
Electric tips during storms
· If a family member uses life-sustaining medical equipment, develop an emergency plan for generating power or plan to relocate.
· Turn off and unplug electrical appliances and equipment such as TVs and computers.
· Turn refrigerators and freezers to coldest settings to keep food fresh as long as possible.
· If people must reset circuit breakers, wear dry, rubber soled shoes and stand on something dry such as wood or furniture.
· Reset the breaker switches with one hand using a dry wooden tool. Don't touch the metal breaker box or other grounded objects.