HUR it comes: How to prepare for hurricane season Published June 12, 2014 By Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30, and although preparation may seem daunting, knowing the different HURCON stages and what to do before Mother Nature strikes can save lives. "Developing your family plan and working it could save you distress each hurricane season," said Randy Frederick, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management flight chief. Frederick said personnel should know the local evacuation routes, including optimal travel times to safer locations and likely traffic conditions, and they should never evacuate without their pets. Hurlburt Field uses the HURCON alert scale to signal the arrival and departure of 50-knot winds near base. HURCON instructions begin 72 hours prior to the hurricane's arrival with HURCON 4, and will continue until base and community officials give the "all-clear" in HURCON 1R. Below is a list of the HURCON alerts and detailed instructions. HURCON 4 Secure any loose items. Harden or cover all windows with plywood. Establish a communication plan to keep in touch with friends and family. Fuel all vehicles. Keep an adequate amount of cash on hand. Ensure the disaster supply kit is stocked with food, water, batteries, toiletries and clothing. Gather important documents. Have a plan for family members with special medical needs. HURCON 3 Monitor local radio and military channels for evacuation orders. Know where the safest areas are within your home if staying behind during a non-evacuation situation. The wing commander may give the evacuation order depending on the strength and predicted damage of the winds and the proximity to expected landfall. HURCON 2 (Non-evacuation) Complete and double check all preparation activities. Turn refrigerator and freezer to their highest setting. Most units can maintain food-preserving temperatures for up to two days without power. Have a three-day supply of water on hand (one gallon of water per person, per day). HURCON 1 (Non-evacuation) Finalize any uncompleted actions. HURCON 1E Stay in a sheltered location until community or base officials give further instructions. HURCON 1R This is the recovery period after the departure of dangerous conditions. Only emergency response or damage assessment teams are released to assess damage. Fredrick said everyone should take evacuation instructions seriously. "A mandatory evacuation means mandatory," he said. "Some folks may be reluctant to evacuate do to financial constraints, but they need to understand there are entitlements that come along with a mandatory evacuation directive. "So, don't ride out a storm if there is a mandatory evacuation," Fredrick added. For more information, contact the 1st SOCES at (850) 884-4304 or click here.