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Tech Sgt. Michael Johnson II, 436th Civil Engineering Squadron electrical systems craftsman, and his family receive an information packet on emergency procedures at the Hurricane Block Party June 15, 2017, in Eagle Heights family housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Sponsored by the 436th Civil Engineering Squadron Emergency Management Flight, the block party offered attendees useful information pertaining to severe storms and hurricanes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Staff Sgt. Carlos Cortez, 436th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, and his wife Deanna speak with Abigail Smith, owner of Abigail Smith Photography, during the Hurricane Block Party June 15, 2017, in the Eagle Heights family housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Besides providing helpful emergency information, attendees could also tour several booths set up by local vendors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Attendees enjoy the Hurricane Block Party June 15, 2017, in Eagle Heights family housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The block party offered useful information for emergency preparedness, free food donated and prepared by the Eagle Heights housing staff, raffles, children’s activities and several booths set up by local vendors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Elena Revilla, daughter of MSgt. Jesus Revilla, 436th Civil Engineering Squadron infrastructure superintendent, plays a ring toss game during the Hurricane Block Party June 15, 2017, in Eagle Heights family housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The block party had children’s activities including games and a bouncy house. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Kristin Strain, wife of Capt. Robert Strain, 9th Airlift Squadron, enters a free raffle drawing during the Hurricane Block Party June 15, 2017, in the Eagle Heights family housing on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The Eagle Heights housing office donated the raffle prizes and offered free food to the attendees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Mauricio Campino)

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Hurricane Block Party Prepares Team Dover for Potential Storms

Published June 20, 2017
By Mauricio Campino

DOVER AIR FORCE ABSE, Del. -- Hot weather, no school and beach traffic. Summer is finally here. But with the summer heat comes the start of hurricane season.

Recently, the 436th Civil Engineering Squadron Emergency Management Flight sponsored a Hurricane Block Party at the Eagle Heights housing area at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to raise awareness about hurricanes and provide helpful knowledge and resources to military members and dependents.

The block party brought awareness to more than170 individuals in the community and also offered attendees the chance to meet with 21 local vendors as well as three military agencies. The staff at the Eagle Heights housing office prepared and served food to attendees and donated raffle prizes.

“Events like this put a face to the names of agencies with pertinent information,” said Tech Sgt. Mikel J. Rogers, 436th Civil Engineering Squadron Readiness & Emergency Management NCO in charge of operations. “They also highlight why teamwork and community partnering is so important.”

Storms like Hurricane Sandy in 2012 are proof that although it is uncommon for northern states to be greatly affected by hurricanes, they can indeed make a strong landfall here, causing deaths as well as billions of dollars in damage.

"I'm from Mississippi and have experienced several severe storms and hurricanes in my life. Events like this are important to help keep dependents involved and fully informed," said Tech Sgt. Jerry Ivey, 436th Airlift Wing Command Post NCO in charge of command and control operations.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration expects 11-17 named storms this season. The official hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.

“If a hurricane is expected to make landfall close to Dover AFB, all local residents, to include those that live in housing, should follow all instructions posted by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Kent County Department of Public Safety and information from the National Weather Service” said Rogers.

Residents can download the free FEMA app available for Apple IOS and Android. The app will give weather alerts, safety tips and more help before, during and after disasters. Residents can also visit the Dover Air Force Base Emergency Management Facebook page (http://www.dover.af.mil/emergencymanagement) for up to date emergency information.