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Shaw prepares for the worst

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  In every good disaster film, no one expects the worst until it's too late; nobody believes the scientist until a volcano explodes, an asteroid starts hurdling toward earth, or an earthquake destroys San Francisco, California.

Fortunately life isn't a disaster movie and the Air Force has precautions in place for natural disasters. The Department of Defense launched its "America's PrepareAthon!" campaign in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is spreading the word about the necessity for service members and their families to be prepared when disaster strikes.

The chances of an asteroid colliding with the earth is one-in-63,000, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, but the chances of a hurricane hitting the coasts of South Carolina is one-in-100, according to USA Today.

In 1989, Hurricane Hugo struck Shaw with a ferocity that hadn't been seen in the midlands area before. The category 4 storm arrived at Shaw around 2:00 a.m., and threw gusts of wind in excess of 105 miles-per-hour at the installation. The storm caused more than $47 million in damages.

After the disaster that Hugo left, Shaw had to put back the pieces and return to normality. Having a plan in place can assist with that transition from emergency to normality, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Here is what Airmen can do to be prepared for a natural disaster.

As part of the DOD's campaign, Airmen are encouraged to know their risk of a natural disaster by receiving emergency weather alerts to their phone by text message. To sign up for this service visit www.ready.gov/alerts.

"For Airmen on base, Command Post will issue warnings via the giant voice and tone signals," said TSgt. Steven Freeman, 20th Fighter Wing ground safety technician. "Shelter in place locations should be known by Airmen and are inspected before disaster."

When the time does come for a disaster, knowing what's going on is extremely important, Airmen should know the difference between and a weather 'watch', and a weather 'warning'. A watch is when severe weather is possible, whereas a warning is when severe conditions have begun or will soon begin.

When a storm is on the warpath, having supplies ready can save time and potentially lives, according to FEMA.

"FEMA recommends these supplies: flashlight and extra batteries, portable, battery-operated weather radio with extra batteries, first aid kit and manual, emergency food and water, non-electric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards and sturdy shoes," said Freeman.

Making a plan to connect with loved ones is crucial to being safe during severe weather.

"The Red Cross has many tools available to contact families and friends during emergency situations," said Freeman.

Airmen should talk to their families about what to do during a storm, for advice on talking to children about natural disasters visit, www.ready.gov/kids/know-the-facts.

"Before the storm, teach family members how and when to turn off the gas, electricity, and water," said Freeman. "Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 and to know which radio station to tune in to for emergency information."

Being prepared for the worst is part of the combat ready mindset, when Airmen take the time to know what processes are in place to ensure both their and their family's safety, the force as a whole is strengthened.