JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors, civilians and families are closely watching the development of Hurricane Earl Aug. 31 as the storm may become a threat to the East Coast.
Earl, which began to move away from the Virgin Islands Aug. 30 as a Category 4 hurricane, is the third hurricane in 2010 in the Atlantic Ocean.
Every year, hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
Hurricane Bonnie was the second named storm of the 2010 hurricane season to threaten the Gulf Coast region. Hurricane Alex was the first tropical cyclone, dumping heavy rains and causing flooding in the Corpus Christi area.
The 2010 hurricane season has been projected to be an active storm season. In this decade alone, virtually every installation in the Southeast has been impacted by tropical cyclones. The 2008 season produced Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike, and called for the evacuations of Naval Air Station Key West and Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Communities in Louisiana and Mississippi are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The time to plan is now. There are many keys to survival before, during and after a storm. The following provides information and resources to guide you and your families on how to weather the storm:
- Operation Prepare: http://cnic.navy.mil/CNIC_HQ_Site/WhatWeDo/EmergencyManagement/OperationPreparedness/index.htm
This comprehensive Web site developed by Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC), covers every aspect of hurricane preparation, including creation of a personal emergency plan, assembling a supply kit, caring for family members with special needs, mustering and recovery. Operation Prepare also offers simple, ready-to-use fact sheets, checklists and forms for other natural and man-made disasters and how to prepare for them.
There are chief of naval operations mandated items for all Department of the Navy (DoN) personnel:
- Enrollment in the Defense Travel System (DTS) Web site: See your command/department DTS representative to enroll today at www.defensetravel.osd.mil.
- Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS): The NFAAS is used to account for all DoN personnel and their family members during and after a natural disaster. Developed following the 2005 hurricane season, NFAAS was used for Hurricane Ike in September 2008 following the evacuation of NAS Key West personnel and families to the Orlando safe haven. Be sure your NFAAS data is current before an emergency arrives. All family members should be familiar with NFAAS in the event you are separated.
To review and update NFAAS, visit https://navyfamily.navy.mil.
- Total Workforce Management System (TWMS): All DoN and civilian personnel must regularly update their TWMS information. This is where family information is pulled from to draft evacuation orders for Navy and civilian personnel and their family members. Login to https://twms.nmci.navy.mil/selfservice/. In the left-hand column, click on "Personal/Recall Information."
- Emergency Phone Numbers: Develop a list of emergency phone numbers that include command, quarterdeck and hurricane hotline information.
- Emergency Checklist: Utilize local hurricane preparedness information. Learn community evacuation routes. Become familiar with workplace, school and daycare center emergency plans.
- Hurricane Kits: Gather the supplies you'll need if your family is confined at home. There are specific items you should stock: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools, emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container such as a large covered trash can, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.
For more information on hurricane kits, go to https://www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrse/AboutCNIC/HurricaneSeason2010/HurricaneKit/index.htm.
Visit your installation for important hurricane information. Obtain a copy of the hurricane editions or inserts from your installation newspapers. Stay tuned to local news and weather stations for the latest information. Maintain close contact with your chain of command and be prepared to execute evacuation orders if called to do so.
The best advice is to stay alert, be prepared and have a plan.
Early preparation will ensure you and your family make it through the storm.
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