FORT BELVOIR, Va. (May 3) -- Fort Belvoir encourages community members to prepare emergency response plans iin case of a catastrophic weather event.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency highlight the importance of planning appropriate response measures to severe weather, such as tornadoes and lighting.

The collaborative initiative encourages people to "Be a force of nature" by taking proactive preparedness measures, and inspiring others to do the same.

The Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security recommends residents and workers at Belvoir prepare plans that include survival kits, emergency shelter locations and listen to the installation emergency communications for updates on weather and road conditions.

Soldiers, residents and employees who plan emergency responses help the installation react more efficiently whenever a storm system hits post.

"It aids the response in the recovery process," said Mario Sumter, DPTMS emergency management specialist. "The more the people are prepared, the better off the installation will be."

Severe weather includes thunderstorms, lighting, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, floods and flash floods. Any of these weather events can cause numerous deaths and incur millions of dollars in damage annually.

Sumter said the NOAA's "A Preparedness Guide," offers numerous tips for responding severe weather.

Flooding

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.

A flood takes longer to develop, normally more than six hours, and results from the heavy accumulation of water in a normally dry area.

Motorists and pedestrians should seek higher ground when a flood warning is issued.

"If you see the rising water, don't go through it," Sumter said. "Find an alternate route."

Lightning

According to the guide, community members should seek immediate shelter before lightning strikes, especially during summer afternoons and evenings when fatalities are most common.

People should stay away from electrical equipment during a lightning storm and refrain from bathing, showering or using plumbing

If caught outside, a hard-topped metal vehicle with closed windows can provide some protection. Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. Avoid open areas and stay away from isolated tall trees, towers, or utility poles.

Tornado

Ideal sheltering locations for tornadoes include uncluttered storm cellars and basements.

If underground shelter is not available, a windowless interior room, closet or hallway is the next best alternative.

If a person is in a car, trailer or mobile home during a tornado warning, Sumter recommends people leave their vehicle and search for shelter in a nearby building, culvert or a ditch.

The precautions for a tornado are the same for straight-line winds, which can exceed 125 miles per hour and can cause destruction equal to a tornado.

Hail

Avoid traveling outdoors during a hail storm. These storms cause more than $ 1 billion in crop and property damage each year, according to NOAA's guide.

Sumter stresses that preparing for severe weather is the safest precaution community members can take.

Preparations

Prepare emergency kits filled with necessities, such as 72 hours worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine, for each person in a household. Community members should also have batteries, a working radio, a first aid kit and cash.

"It doesn't have to be a large amount of cash," Sumter said. "You should have it just in case you have to put some gas into your car or purchase food or medicine."

Sumter said the community should regularly prepare and practice response plans for severe storms. These plans should include emergency shelter locations and contact information.

Warnings

Community members are also advised to listen to the warnings and updates from the installation.

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 805-3030 information hotline phone number.

In the case of a tornado, Belvoir will the Giant Voice speaker system on post to alert residents outdoors to seek shelter immediately.

"Adhere to the warnings that we produce," said Dana Winslett, Installation Operations Center watch officer. "That's the best thing people can do to help us perform our job."

The Installation Operations Center acts as a conduit between external organizations and the garrison during emergency situations.

An officer works in the office 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, and prioritizes responses and support efforts around post.

The office sends out alerts on situations such as weather conditions and road and gate closures.

Community members who ignore the warnings risk becoming trapped in dangerous situations. Winslett said this may lead the Directorate of Emergency Services to use precious man power in a rescue attempt.

Visit www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/ for more information on preparing for severe weather.

Visit www.nws.noaa.gov/om/severeweather/resources/ttl6-10.pdf for more information on thunderstorms.