Maxwell prepares for Isaac

Maxwell Air Force Base is taking precautionary steps to prepare for what is expected to be Hurricane Isaac. Isaac is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, reaching the Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex area by Wednesday evening. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz)

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Maxwell prepares for Isaac - Tips and Tricks to weather the storm

Published Aug. 27, 2012
By Senior Airman Christopher Stoltz
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- According to the latest press release (10:00 a.m., Aug. 27) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admimistration, a hurricane advisory has been placed on the areas east of Morgan City, La. to Destin, Fla.

Maxwell Air Force base and Gunter Annex is expected to see some of this storm, albeit a weakened version of it. However, this does not mean the storm or the potential severe weather should be taken lightly.

Here are a few tips and tricks to prepare yourself and your family.

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
This kit should include plenty of drinkable water, a first-aid kit non-perishable or canned foods, a hand-cranked emergency weather radio, a flashlight, two-way radios and all of the appropriate batteries necessary.
Know your surroundings.
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home's windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

For more information about Isaac, visit NOAA's web page at http://www.noaa.gov/. For more hurricane tips and tricks, contact your unit safety manager or visit http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.