HSL-48 FRG

This website was created for use of the Family Readiness Group of the HSL-48 Vipers.











The purpose of this website is to keep FRG Members updated on happenings around town, on base, and with our group. We also have some helpful links listed on the right panel and are constantly adding more. Please SUBSCRIBE to receive email feeds when we post.











Contact your FRG President (Kelly Morris), your Vice President (Bethany Stearns) or your HSL-48 Ombudsman, Mandy Dunn please click the appropriate name listed under "Contributors" on the right panel.







FRG Calendar

Monday, August 22, 2011

Hurricane Preparedness

Be Prepared in Advance

Before a Hurricane Is Out There
  • Create a written emergency preparedness and action plan for your family and business.
  • Visit your insurance agent now. Review insurance coverage for your home and business, and the contents. Determine your flood insurance eligibility - homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage.
  • Buy plywood or shutters for protecting windows. Trim trees to lessen flying debris.
  • Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone by contacting your local emergency management office. Make an evacuation plan if you live in an area vulnerable to storm surge or fresh water flooding, if you live in a mobile home, or if you live in a high-rise building.
  • Identify the evacuation route you will use if told to evacuate. Determine the nearest substantial, low-rise building outside of flood zones to which you can evacuate ”“ an official public shelter, a hotel, or a friend’s or relative’s home. Find out if where you’re going will accept any pets.
  • Agree upon two places family members can meet if separated: one outside your home for an emergency while there, and one out of the neighborhood if you cannot return home.
  • Test emergency equipment such as generators and flashlights.
  • Decide where you will store your boat during a tropical storm or hurricane, and factor into your action plan the time to move it to storage.
  • Assemble a hurricane survival kit. Obtain emergency supplies now to be self-sufficient during the storm and its potentially lengthy aftermath. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep to buy these items, they will be in very short supply or even completely unavailable.

Hurricane Survival Kit

Essential Items

During a hurricane, and possibly for days or even weeks afterward, electricity and other utilities might not be available. Debris and/or water might block the roads, preventing vehicles from getting in our out of your neighborhood. Help might not reach you for days after the hurricane, so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient during that period.

Here are some of the most critical supplies to have on hand, well before a hurricane threatens:
  • At least a 3-day and preferably a 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Formula, diapers, and other baby supplies
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid kit
  • Prescription and non-prescription medicines
  • Toiletries
  • Cell phones and battery-powered cell phone chargers
  • Battery-powered radios and flashlights
  • Plenty of batteries
  • Extra cash
  • Blankets, sleeping bags, books, and games (especially if evacuating)

How Will You Be Warned?

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

The National Hurricane Center issues the following coastal watches and warnings for tropical
storms and hurricanes:

Tropical Storm Watch ”“ tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are
possible somewhere within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning - tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are
expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Watch ”“ hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are possible
somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become
difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance
of the anticipated onset of winds of tropical storm force.

Hurricane Warning ”“ hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected
somewhere within the specified coastal area. The hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in
advance of the anticipated onset of winds of tropical storm force.

Local National Weather Service forecast offices issue tropical storm and hurricane watches and
warnings for inland areas, using the same wind criteria and lead times described above.

In addition, these local National Weather Service offices will issue an Extreme Wind Warning
when sustained surface winds of 115 mph or stronger are occurring or are expected to occur in
the specified area within one hour, as a result of a hurricane of Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-
Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. This warning conveys the need to take immediate shelter in an
interior portion of a well-built structure (but not necessarily the lowest floor, if the area is
vulnerable to flooding).