Whether it's flooding, tornadoes or even hail, garrison leadership encourages community members to prepare for any potential hazard associated with the hurricane season.
The Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security recommends residents and workers at Belvoir prepare plans that include survival kits, emergency shelter locations and a means to listen to the installation emergency communications for updates on weather and road conditions. Community members who plan emergency responses help the installation react more efficiently and effectively.
"Being prepared helps the installation in its ability to bounce back from natural emergencies," said Mario Sumter, DPTMS emergency management specialist.
The hurricane season in the Atlantic Region began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Hurricanes are capable of producing winds that exceed 155 miles per hour, tornadoes, storm surges, floods and damage from coastlines to several hundred miles inland. Excessive rain can trigger flash flooding and landslides or mudslides due to heavy rainfall occurring over a relatively short period of time.
The severe weather can cause deaths and incur millions of dollars in damage annually. Preparation is the best way to minimize injury and decrease damages, Sumter said.
Emergency kits should have necessities, such as 72 hours worth of non-perishable food and medicine, for each person in a household. Each person in a household should have one gallon of water available, per day, during the 72-hour period. For example, the water for a three-person household over a 72-hour period would be nine gallons of water (3 people x 1 gallon x 3 days = 9 gallons). Families with children should have at least enough diapers and formula to last three days.
"Community members' preparedness is going to help the garrison properly respond within the first 72 hours after a storm because they can help themselves while first responders work on other need areas," Sumter said.
The 72-hour rule also applies to pets which should have enough food, water medication and other necessities, according to Bridget Smalls, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist.
"People consider pets as their Family," Smalls said. "Make sure your pets are considered in your preparations, you want to cover all the bases, just in case."
Community members should also have batteries, a working radio, a first aid kit, a can opener, spare eyeglasses and cash. Sumter said Families should consistently assess their emergency kits and replace items as they expire.
Families should also have emergency response plans for the household, with emergency evacuation plans, shelter locations and contact information. Plans should also account for each Family member's daily whereabouts in the event the members are separated during an emergency. For instance, an emergency during the middle of work likely means children are at school. Families should have some means of contacting the school or parents' places of work. Fairfax County School system posts delays and closure information on its emergency plan website and other mediums that include television stations, radio, email and social media. The website also includes answers to frequently asked questions such as when a parent can pick up a child during an emergency.
"Talk to your Family about severe weather. It's always good to have a Family emergency plan," Smalls said. "In case you can't get to your children and other Family members before a storm occurs, at least they'll know what to do."
The Ready Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency websites provide detailed information explaining safe locations and other planning details for crises.
"These sites give out good pointers and information," Smalls said. "They will tell you what you need to know and they'll give links to additional websites for more information."
There are also several specific preparation and reaction tips community members should execute during individual storm systems.
Hurricane
During a hurricane, stay indoors during the storm and avoid areas near windows and glass doors. Seek shelter in a small interior room, closet or hallway in the home's lowest level.
Flood
A flash flood occurs within a few hours of heavy or excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or the sudden release of water impounded by an ice jam. Motorists and pedestrians should seek higher ground when a flood warning is issued.
Tornado
Sumter said an important aspect of tornado safety is understanding the difference between a watch and warning. A watch indicates weather conditions are right for the possible formation of a tornado and a warning indicates that a tornado has formed and been sighted in the area or has been sighted by the National Weather Service Doppler radar. People should take cover immediately when a warning is issued.
Reacting to the storm
The Belvoir community should follow evacuation plans, if advised to do so by garrison emergency personnel or local authorities. In the case of severe weather, the installation will communicate with residents using email (Listserv), social media (Fort Belvoir Facebook and Twitter), Belvoir AM radio (1610 AM) and the (703) 805-3030 information hotline phone number. In the case of a tornado, Belvoir will activate the Giant Voice speaker system on post to alert residents outdoors to seek shelter immediately.
On the Web
Visit www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/ or www.fema.gov/ for more information on preparing for severe weather. Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/resources/ttl6-10.pdf for more information on thunderstorms.
Social Sharing