NAVSAFECEN Urges Sailors, Marines, Families Prepare Early for Hurricane Irene

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) advised East Coast Sailors, Marines and their families Aug. 24 to prepare for contact by Hurricane Irene.

"Sailors, Marines, and their families are our greatest resource," said NAVSAFECEN Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Dominick Torchia. "It is important for them to be informed so they're able to take care of themselves and each other. Early preparation is the key to success."

The time to prepare is well in advance of a storm, he said. NAVSAFECEN recommends simple operational risk management to get ready, with steps including:

* Move or secure any objects that could become airborne during high winds; Bring inside any outdoor furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. If there is time, move furniture, electronics and other valuables to the highest level of your home.

* Communicate with chain-of-command and family members often to ensure that everyone knows what to do and when.

* Fuel vehicles in case it is necessary to evacuate the area.

* Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.

* Review evacuation plans. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter and ask for the community preparedness plan. Plan an evacuation route that will take you 20-50 miles inland.

If an evacuation is necessary:

* Take small valuables and papers but travel light.

* Take cash, credit cards, and copies of important papers, including bank accounts, insurance and household records.

* Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded

road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

* Bring pets with you or ensure that they are well-cared for with food and water in a safe place.

While current projections have Hurricane Irene making landfall somewhere on the coast of the Carolinas Aug. 27, no one is certain of the exact path.

"Predictions about when and where hurricanes will make landfall are just that - predictions. They are not exact science, so it's better to be prepared for a storm that doesn't hit than the reverse," Torchia said. "Make sure the whole family is involved in disaster planning, and that everyone knows the emergency contact numbers."

Torchia added that it's also a good idea to ensure the family hurricane kit is fully-stocked now, rather than waiting until store shelves are bare.

"Shop early for water and non-perishable food supplies because they sell out fast when a storm is approaching. The best idea is to keep a hurricane preparedness kit ready to go all season long," he said.