Hurricane season: being prepared for the storm

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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  June 1 marks the beginning of the 2013 hurricane season in the U.S., kicking off six months of the threat of tropical weather affecting the Dover Air Force Base area.

Meteorologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict a 70 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season, anticipating 12 to 18 named storms. Of these, six to 10 are projected to strengthen to hurricane status and three to six becoming major hurricanes.

Dover AFB most recently experienced Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Sandy caused minor damage to Dover, but affected surrounding areas including New Jersey and New York with extensive damage.

Another experience Dover AFB had was Hurricane Irene in August 2011. The storm caused widespread damage across the region and forced the mandatory evacuation of more than 200,000 area residents, including Dover AFB personnel and their families.

It is important for families to be prepared for the hurricane season. Whether riding out the storm or evacuating to safe haven, the following information can help prepare the community for the worst.

Understanding hurricanes

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 with peak months occurring between August and October.

A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Winds rotate around a relatively calm center, known as the "eye" of the storm. The eye is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward 400 miles. Hurricanes can last more than two weeks over open water.

Hurricanes are categorized into five areas according to their sustained winds, storm surge and damage assessments. This is known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale:
· Category 1: Winds of 74-95 mph; minimal damage; 4-5 foot storm surge
· Category 2: Winds of 96-111 mph; extensive damage; 6-8 foot storm surge
· Category 3: Winds of 111-129 mph; devastating damage; 9-12 foot storm surge
· Category 4: Winds of 130-156 mph; catastrophic damage; 13-18 foot storm surge
· Category 5: Winds in excess of 157 mph; catastrophic damage; 18 foot or higher storm surge

Watch vs. Warning

When monitoring severe weather through meteorological or news media outlets, viewers are alerted to watches and warnings. A tropical storm or hurricane watch alerts residents to the threat of a storm arriving within 36 hours. Tropical storm or hurricane warnings are more urgent, warning of a storm's arrival within 24 hours.

Prepare your emergency kit

In the event of an approaching storm, residents may or may not be ordered to evacuate. Whether riding the storm out or evacuating, having an emergency kit can be the difference between life and death, especially when hunkering down through the storm. Essential items in an emergency kit include:
· Water: at least on gallon daily per person for three to seven days
· Food: at least enough for three to seven days
· Battery-powered or hand crank radio, and a NOAA weather radio with tone alerts and extra batteries
· Flashlight
· First aid kit
· Clothing
· Cash
· Toiletries, hygiene items and moisture wipes
· Important documents in a waterproof container
· Tools: keep a set with you during the storm
· Pet care items
· Special items for babies and elderly

When building an emergency kit and emergency evacuation action plan, consider the needs of family members who may not be as capable, such as elderly, disabled, children and pets. Be sure to include all necessary medications and the name of the doctor who prescribed the medications in the emergency kit.

Riding it out
Depending on the severity of the storm, officials may not order mandatory evacuations, in which case you may decide to remain and shelter-in-place. You can shelter at home or in a public shelter.

Here is a list of shelter and stations that the Dover has:

· Hurricane shelters for Eagle Heights Family Housing include Dover Air Force Base Middle School, Caesar Rodney Junior and High school and Dover High School
· Hurricane shelters for Eagle Meadows Family Housing include Allen Frear Elementary School, Caesar Rodney Junior and High schools and Dover High School
· The primary emergency broadcast and alerting stations are 94.7 FM and 1410 AM for Kent County; 93.7 FM and 1150 AM for New Castle County; and 93.5 FM and 900 AM for Sussex County

If sheltering at home, be sure to accomplish the following:

· Identify how your property location is affected by storm surge and tidal flooding
· Know the hurricane evacuation route
· Secure your outside property, i.e. lawn chairs, lawn ornaments and anything not anchored to the ground
· If you home does not have permanent storm shutters, board windows with 5/8-inch plywood. Tape does not offer protection.
· Ensure you have flood insurance
· Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard
· Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet

If you decide to seek refuge in a public shelter you must take your emergency kit. While public shelters provide basic necessities, most do not provide cots, bedding, infant items or items for those with special needs. Most shelters only accept service animals. Talk to your vet hospital or kennel in advance to get your pet sheltered.

If you are evacuating, follow these tips:
1. Leave early and avoid traffic delays. If you are evacuating, many others likely are as well.
2. Stay with nearby family who live outside of storm surge areas. Hotels are also available outside of storm surge areas, but must be booked as early as possible. Public shelters should be a last resort.
3. Listen to local weather reports. Stay updated on current and developing conditions.

Dover Air Force Base Key Numbers

Command Post: (302) 677-4201
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs: (302) 677-3372
Base Informational Line: (302) 677-BASE (2273)
436th Airlift Wing Fire Department: (302) 677-4420
Law Enforcement Desk: (302) 677-6664
Damage Reporting Line: (302) 677-3352
Emergency: 911