Base officials caution residents of HURCON 3

Published Aug. 31, 2008
By Keesler Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Keesler AFB has declared Hurricane Condition Three, as Hurricane Gustav is predicted to reach landfall within 50 hours.

The 81st Training Wing commander has ordered an evacuation order for all Keesler non-storm essential employees and all family members no earlier than 6 a.m. and no later than 6 p.m. effective Sunday, August 31, 2008.

All non-storm mission-essential personnel and their dependents residing within 75 miles of Keesler AFB are ordered to evacuate. Also, civilians and their dependents residing within 75 miles of Keesler AFB are authorized to evacuate.

Evacuating personnel must evacuate a minimum of 150 miles and shall not exceed a maximum of a 750 mile radius from Keesler AFB. Evacuating personnel shall contact the Keesler Accountability Team, 1-800-673-9356, upon arrival at their evacuation point. After arrival all personnel will contact Air Force Personnel Center Randolph AFB, 1-800-435-9941, daily for further instructions. Mileage and proportional per diem are authorized. As directed, storm mission essential personnel shall proceed to their designated locations and await further instructions. All personnel should use their unit control center as the central point of contact for evacuation information.

To prepare for the storm, all Keesler personnel should take the following actions as applicable:

During HURCON 3, personnel living in the dormitories should:
a. Store all personal equipment in lockers and drawers.
b. Board up windows with wooden panels
c. Unplug electrical equipment and turn off lights.
d. Close all doors, but leave them unlocked.
e. Move furniture to walls opposite windows.
f. Tie down or relocate equipment, motorcycles, trashcans, signs, etc.

People living off-base and in base housing should:
a. Brief family members on their responsibilities. Review actions to take if evacuation to shelter is necessary.
b. Keep your radio and television on for information on the status of the storm.
c. Check your supply of food that can be eaten without cooking.
d. Stock the following items and have them easily accessible:
1. Flashlight, extra batteries, candles/lighter.
2. Transistor radio, extra batteries.
3. Special prescribed medicines and food, baby food, pet food, etc.
4. First aid kit, insect repellent, disinfectants.
5. Fire extinguisher, two to three buckets of sand.
6. Tool kit and hardware.
7. Boards for windows, plastic sheeting to cover any window breakage.
e. As much as possible, ensure mobile homes are securely tied down.
f. Secure objects in open areas that could come loose and become projectiles, such as trash cans, play yard equipment, etc.
g. Fill car tank with gasoline.
h. Boat protection: Store small boats in enclosed shelter. If stored outdoors, remove any loose gear and securely tie the boat down.

All personnel should:
a. Board or tape windows. Plan to brace doors securely.
b. Stack furniture, rugs, linen, etc., to minimize possible water damage.
c. Have flashlights within easy reach.

Further information is available to personnel and their family members via the Keesler AFB public Web site at www.keesler.af.mil, or by calling the 81st Training Wing Straight Talk Line recorded message at 228-377-3901.