Base exercises preparation for natural disasters

A Maxwell-Gunter firefighter uses the "jaws-of-life" tool to open a car door during a simulated automobile accident at Gunter. The accident was part of the base's May HURICON exercise that involved preparation for bad weather and evacuees from a gulf-coast hurricane. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jamie Pitcher)

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Base exercises preparation for natural disasters

Published May 22, 2009
By Carl Poteat
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- With national hurricane season beginning June 1, Maxwell-Gunter Exercise Evaluation Team conducted a natural disasters exercise during the month of May, according to Gary Looney, 42nd Air Base Wing chief of Exercise Evaluation Team.

"It doesn't seem that long ago when we had to do it for real," Mr. Looney said. He remembered that in September and October of last year, the base was active in receiving aircraft and people from areas near the Gulf of Mexico that were affected by Tropical Storm Faye and Hurricane Gustoff.

The exercised began May 11 with a "simulated" hurricane of the coast of Cuba. May 12 a simulated tornado hit Gunter. Officials were notified that the tornado had apparently overturned a vehicle with two occupants. When Gunter fire department and security police arrived at the scene, they found they had to use the "jaws of life" to receive the "victims" from the vehicle. Mr. Looney said mannequins were used as "victims."

In addition to the tornado, a hurricane was encountered in the exercise scenario from its approach to arrival and damage cleanup. A hurricane reception center was set up at Maxwell Lodging along with shelters to accommodate any displaced personnel. All looked good, according to Mr. Looney.

"It was our annual natural disaster preparedness exercise," Mr. Looney said of the exercise that ended May 13.

He added that the Installation Control Center along with the Emergency Operations Center was activated with a thorough review of checklists for any perceived contingency related to weather. The hurricane season ends Nov. 1.