JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va -- Are you prepared for hurricane season? According to the National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
The peak risk of hurricanes in the Hampton Roads area occurs from late August through late October.
In order to prepare, Airmen and their families are encouraged to first determine which evacuation zone their home is located in. To find out your zone, visit your state emergency management web page like: https://www.vaemergency.gov/hurricane-evacuation-zone-lookup/ or https://www.fema.gov/locations.
“The best thing you can do at this time of year is prepare,” said Capt. Michael Koba, 1st Operations Squadron weather flight commander. “Make sure you have a plan going into hurricane season, that way you’re ready and not caught off guard if and when a storm hits.”
Members and their families are reminded to keep COVID-19 restrictions in mind when creating a plan for inclement weather. If relocating and staying in a hotel is part of your plan, familiarize yourself with COVID-19 limitations and have a backup plan in the event restrictions change.
Items to prepare prior to hurricane season include:
• Make sure your Form 33, Hurricane Evacuation Preference sheet, is current
• Ensure your renters insurance and/or flood insurance covers damages sustained from a hurricane
• Have a contingency plan for your family as well as any pets
In addition to a plan, families should prepare an emergency kit. Recommended items include:
• Non-perishable food/water (1 gallon per person, per day, for at least 3 days)
• Emergency phone numbers/a plan for who to notify if evacuating
• Medications, a first aid kit and any other required medical supplies
• Cordless power supplies to charge cell phones, extra batteries
• Critical documents (forms of ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, plastic bags and garbage bags
• Extra face masks, gloves, socks
• Temperature-appropriate clothing
• Durable shoes for wet weather conditions
For additional tips visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service's web page at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness the Federal Emergency Management Administration https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/hurricanes or https://www.fema.gov/blog/how-prepare-hurricane-season