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Preparation key to hurricane safety

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  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As Hurricane Matthew draws closer to South Carolina, it becomes more and more important for Team Shaw personnel and members of the Sumter community to understand the dangers associated with hurricanes and the steps that can be taken to ensure they are prepared.

Although Shaw Air Force Base is approximately 100 miles from the coast, the base still has the potential to experience destructive weather.

On Sept. 22, 1989, Hurricane Hugo hit Shaw with winds up to 109 mph and caused approximately $7 billion in damages to the mainland United States.

Statistically, Shaw is hit by a hurricane approximately every 20 years.

Staff Sgt. Dayna Byrd, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight operations noncommissioned officer in charge, said her biggest piece of advice is to be prepared. Bring any necessary medications for family members with special needs, have a full tank of gas and make a plan for pets during an evacuation.

Capt. Matt Griffie, 20th Operations Support Squadron operations support weather flight commander, recommended everyone have a hurricane prep bag including batteries, chargers, extra water bottles, blankets and flashlights readily available in the event of a storm.

Shaw’s severe weather preparedness was tested during the “Thousand Year Flood,” October 2015, which affected the Shaw and local areas.

The flood was referenced in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season when Gov. Nikki Haley led a “tabletop exercise” at the headquarters of the S.C. Hospital Association May 13, to work on state coordination and planning for hurricanes and tropical storms.

“Often times with hurricanes the biggest issue is people wait until it’s too late to evacuate,” said Byrd. “If you’re given the order to evacuate, follow that order, get your family and get out of town. Evacuation is key to being able to come back and contribute to the recovery.”

In case of a weather emergency, the South Carolina Department of Transportation emergency evacuation route for Shaw AFB and Sumter, S.C. is U.S. Route 378 West.

Hurricanes tend to weaken once they hit land, however the stronger storms can move farther inland causing strong winds, floods and tornados. During an average hurricane season, 12 tropical storms, about half of which become hurricanes, form over the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic Ocean according to the National Weather Service.

To stay updated on weather events, local media outlets, the National Hurricane Center and the official Shaw Air Force Base website and Facebook issue warnings, watches and forecasts of hazardous weather such as hurricanes and tropical storms.