Be prepared year round for weather emergencies

  • Published
  • By Capt. Christina Arey
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
The U.S. has seen its fair share of crazy weather this year, and Northwest Florida has not been immune to the adverse effects of Mother Nature.

From the ice storm that debilitated the area to the flooding rain that trapped us in our homes, preparation is crucial in the event of a weather emergency.

This year has marked some of the strangest weather in decades for the local area, according to William Andrus, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron weather flight operations manager.

"The last time Hurlburt Field closed for freezing rain was in 1983 for a half of a day," Andrus said. "This area has not seen so much rain, which was not caused by a tropical system."

This year's weather has proven to us that we need to be prepared year round and not just during hurricane season.

"I urge people to be proactive." said 2nd Lt Melanie Roebuck, 1st SOSS weather flight commander. "Don't wait until you see a weather event coming to get prepared. Always keep a disaster preparedness kit stocked with items you would use regularly and replace them as needed."

Tech. Sgt. Clint Hunt, 1st Special Operations Wing, ground safety, said he recommends using the following disaster kit checklist:

- Water: One gallon per person, per day (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
- Non-perishable food: three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First-aid kit, medications (seven-day supply) and personal hygiene items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Manual can opener
- Matches
- Copies of personal documents (medical information, deeds, passports, insurance policies, etc.)
- Cell phone with chargers or two-way radios
- Area maps
- Family and emergency contact information
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, and bowls)
- Extra set of keys
- Cash

Being prepared for severe weather events in advance and heeding the warnings of local officials will ensure that you are not caught off guard by Mother Nature.