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JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. June 1, 2021 —The 597th Transportation Brigade marked the official start to the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season by encouraging everyone to take responsibility and be prepared.

"The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 until November 30," said Darren Reese, Safety Officer, 597th Transportation Bde. "It is imperative that individuals and communities are prepared prior to a weather event."

The three steps to hurricane safety are plan, prepare and execute. In addition, you should look at the hurricane preparedness materials for your area before hurricane season starts, according to Reese.

"Know your local area and plan for your level of readiness. Know your radio stations and TV stations. If you take medications that are vital to your health, you should have a larger supply on hand before hurricane season starts," Reese added.

The seasonal outlook for 2021 anticipates that the Atlantic could see an above-normal hurricane season, with as many as 17 named storms possible, with potentially up to eight becoming major hurricanes, according to the 597th Transportation Bde. operations section.

Operations officers from the 597th Transportation Bde. will work with Joint Base Langley-Eustis and other federal agencies to monitor severe weather events throughout the season. They will issue specific guidance, such as telework or shelter in place orders, up to 72 hours in advance of a hurricane, if necessary.

There are tools available to help plan and prepare for hurricanes:

·      Know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

·      Create an emergency communication plan with your family before a hurricane.

·      Know your local community’s evacuation plan and evacuation routes, sign up to receive local alerts and warnings, and listen to the advice of local officials before, during, and after a storm.

·      Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car.

·      Download the FEMA mobile app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

To learn more on how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane, visit: www.jble.af.mil/Home/Weather/ and www.ready.gov/hurricanes.