Hurricane season 2010, Fort Bragg is ready,
are you?

By Stephenie Tatum
Paraglide

	Graphic by Michelle Butzgy/Paraglide Photo and information courtesy of NOAA

Tuesday marks the beginning of hurricane season and forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are predicting a “busier-than-usual” season for 2010.

According to the National Hurricane Center’s April 9 report, 15 named storms are predicted for the North Atlantic region of the United States. Eight of those storms are forecasted to be hurricanes and the remaining four to be major hurricanes (category three to five).

Hurricane season runs through Nov. 1 for the Atlantic region. Although Fort Bragg is not located on the coast, the area is close enough to experience hurricane force winds and severe rain.

Fort Bragg has fared well in past hurricane seasons, but key officials are not taking any chances.

A severe weather plan exercise was held Tuesday at the Directorate of Emergency Services. Installation severe weather procedures were reviewed and validated.

Fort Bragg is also urging community members to review their severe weather plans and to take extra precautions to prepare before a storm prevails.

Individuals should maintain situational awareness of the weather and stay informed through Internet, television, military command channels and Family readiness groups. In addition, Fort Bragg officials said at the meeting that Soldiers and their Families will be notified of severe weather through the Giant Voice System, radio station AM 1700, the post television channel, Channel 7 on Bragg TV and the Fort Bragg website at www.bragg.army.mil. 

In addition to staying aware of the weather throughout the hurricane season, individuals and their Families should build a disaster kit and have a plan before a storm or disaster strikes. The time to plan is now, not when an emergency strikes.

“I have a whole kit prepared with food, water, extra food for my pets and other supplies. I also keep my flood insurance up-to-date,” said Brion Gallagher, a retiree of Fayetteville.

Gallagher who has lived in the Fort Bragg area since 1987, went on to say that although this area has been “lucky” during past hurricane seasons, it is always best to prepare before a storm hits.
In September 2008, the Army developed the Ready Army program to better inform, assist and prepare Soldiers, their Families, Army civilian, contractors and retirees in the event a disaster strikes. This Army Emergency Management Program provides step-by-step instructions and information to get a kit, make a plan and be informed.  

Building a kit can be as easy as stocking up on extra supplies and necessary items.

After experiencing a hurricane many people are well aware of the dangers a hurricane brings and the necessities that will be needed.

“I have grown daughters that live in New Orleans and they experienced hurricane Katrina. After hearing what they went through, I suggest having a kit packed and ready. Sometimes, you don’t get notice to prepare,” said Staff Sgt. Phyllis Dickerson, of the 528th Combat Operations Stress Control Unit.

Fort Bragg and North Carolina residents should also have their evacuation routes planned before a storm. For more information on evacuation routes in North Carolina, go to www.ncdot.org/traffictravel/emergencyinfo/.

For more information about Ready Army go to http://www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/.
Ready Army suggests storing the following items:

Basic Home Kit
• Water—at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Food—nonperishable food for at least three days (select items that require no preparation, refrigeration or cooking such as high energy foods and ready-to-eat canned meat, vegetables, fruit)
• Manual can opener, preferably on a multi-tool
• Reusable plates, cups, utensils, saucepan (note, a metal bowl can double as a cup or plate)
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications and medical equipment/care aids
• N95- or N100-rated dust masks
• Personal sanitation supplies, such as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
• Hand-crank or battery operated flashlight
• Hand-crank radio or battery operated cell phone charger
• All-hazards NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio
• Extra batteries of all sizes
• Brightly colored plastic poncho (can be used as shelter, clothing or a marker)
• Weather appropriate clothing to keep your Family warm and dry
• Cash
• Any tools needed for turning off utilities
• Local maps and your Family emergency plan
• Your command reporting information – know the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and • Assessment System
• Important documents, including will, medical and financial power of attorney, property • documents, medical instructions
• Emergency preparedness handbook

Other considerations
• Infant formula and diapers for young children
• Pets supplies such as food, water, medication, leash, travel case and documents
• Disinfectant
• Matches or flint in a waterproof container
• Sleeping bag or other weather-appropriate bedding for each person
• Coats, jackets and rain gear
• Fire extinguisher
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, toys and other activities for children
• Any items necessary specific types of disaster

(Editor’s note: List provided by Ready Army.)

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