May 19, 2017 Vol 74 No. 42 Navy.Mil/Local/Guantanamo Facebook.com/NSGuantanamoBay
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba PSC 1005 Box 25 FPO, AE 09593 757-458-4520
Emergency Manager talks about Hurricane Preparation
J
une 1st marks the official beginning of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Though we have already had one named storm on record so far, forecasters agree that the 2017 season will be less active than normal, with 11 named storms, 4 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes predicted. While this may sound like a large number, take into account that only seven hurricanes have made landfall in the United States in the last ten years. Here in Guantanamo Bay, we have only had a single storm in the last ten years (Sandy) that caused serious damage as it made landfall just twenty miles west of us. Only three storms rated as Category 3 or higher have directly threatened the base in the entire history of the naval station. Still, we should not let our guard down when severe or destructive weather threatens. Just seven months ago, a late season storm named Matthew threatened the base and caused disruptions not just to our mission, but also to our families here on island as they were forced to flee from the storm’s path. And while the ending to Matthew’s visit was a happy one, the potential for things to become a major tragedy could have easily been a simple twenty-mile shift in the storm’s track to the left. Ask any of your neighbors that were
VOL. 74 • NO. 42
COMMANDING OFFICER EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
here last year and almost all will tell you in no uncertain terms that we “dodged a bullet.” This emphasizes the importance of being prepared. Not just for hurricane season, but for any major event that may arise here in our isolated corner of the world. So, when is the best time to get prepared? Right now. Yesterday, in fact. Disaster can happen at any time, and it may not be when you and your family are home enjoying dinner and a movie. In 2015, a study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that nearly forty percent of Americans surveyed had no plan in the event of an emergency and sixty percent had never practiced what to do in a disaster. For the many either deployed here away from family or serving unaccompanied orders, emergency planning is a must. It’s the time of year when families should be taking inventory of hurricane baskets and replacing items that are outdated or expired. It’s time to make sure all of your important papers are in one place, ready to be gathered at a moment’s notice. It’s time to prepare legal documents and powers of attorney to make sure your valuable belongings (to include your most valuable things – your children) are taken care of. It’s time to designate a family member back
Guantanamo Bay Gazette
CAPT. DAVID CULPEPPER CMDR. DENNIS MOJICA CMDCM (SW/AW) THOMAS MACE
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER PHOTOJOURNALIST EDITOR/LAYOUT
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA
MS. JULIE ANN RIPLEY MA1 MEAGANN FOSTER MC2 JOHN PHILIP WAGNER, JR.
The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is an authorized publication for members of the military services and their families stationed at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Navy, and do not imply endorsement thereof. The editorial content is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Affairs Office of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The Guantanamo Bay Gazette is printed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Document Services with a circulation of 535.
home to be your out-of-area point of contact. It’s time to know where your designated shelter is if you have to leave home. Many lessons were learned during last year ’s hurricane season. The biggest lesson was that, as a community, family preparedness is key to installation preparedness. So get involved! This year we have implemented some new policies and procedures to both communicate and disseminate critical information in the event of a hurricane or other disaster that might affect us here, as well as streamlining the process for moving affected family members from harm’s way into shelter if it becomes necessary. Radio GTMO, the naval station’s official Facebook page and website, and our upgraded Giant Voice and mass warning and notification systems are just a few of the ways for us to contact you rapidly if disaster strikes. If technology fails, additional unit level measures have been implemented to ensure that nobody is left behind and that everyone is accounted for. However, everyone here must do their part as well by being prepared and well-informed. Be sure any info you receive is coming from one of these reliable sources and try to control the spread of misinformation. Tropical weather doesn’t exactly sneak up on us, but other events like earthquakes and
wildfires can and do. I don’t need to remind anyone that we are an isolated community and that we may be called on to sustain ourselves for an extended amount of time until assistance can arrive following a disaster. Right now, the shelves are stocked and goods are available without restriction. This may not be the case in the days leading up to or following a hurricane. Last, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Evacuation. Last year was the first time in 54 years this base was evacuated on short notice. As I mentioned earlier, the outcome was a positive one but many lessons were learned on how to make the process better. The use of Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) cards and implementation of NEO Coordinators and Wardens at the unit level will allow us to move families out of danger in a much more efficient manner. In the two years that my wife and I have been here, we have seen how resilient and willing to help our adopted friends and family here can be, both in fair weather and foul alike. And we want to see you at the end of this 2017 season just the same as you are now: happy, safe and prepared for whatever may come. So check those batteries, test your radio, restock those canned goods and review your family preparedness plans.- by Joe McCullough, NAVSTA Emergency Managner
Securing Your Home
Hurricanes can form quickly in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Contact the housing office if you will be off-island for more than 72 hours. Before you leave onvacation, it’s your responsibility to secure your house in the event of inclement weather. Do not leave your car at Ferry Landing. Take trash cans inside or place in an outdoor closet. All pools, trampolines, toys or any other projectiles need to be secured. Tables, chairs, grills, plants in pots and any other outdoor items need to be stowed. Organize your garage because winds will enter the space through the opening at the bottom of the garage door and any unsecured items can damage the structure or vehicle inside. If you live in one of the houses that are designated to go to a base shelter or you are going to a friend’s house, you need to secure the items listed above before leaving your home.
Online Hurricane Preparedness Resources Ready.gov
www.ready.gov – Emergency planning information and tools for all personnel.
NFAAS and Page 2
https://navyfamily.navy.mil – Web-based accountability assessment and recovery tool for disaster-affected Navy personnel and their families. Ensure Page 2 is updated.
FEMA
www.fema.gov – Offers information on a range of natural and man-made disasters and guidance for protecting families and their property.
National Hurricane Center
www.nhc.noaa.gov – Coordinating with the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center provides tropical weathers analyses and forecasts in efforts to save lives, mitigate property loss and improve economic efficiency by issuing watches and warnings.
Family Emergency Plan
One of the most important tools every individual and family can have to protect themselves in possible emergencies is a family emergency preparedness plan, complete with a list of contacts during an emergency. As you plan ahead about what to do during an emergency, be sure to take into account any members of your family with special needs, specific preparations for children, and what you will do with your pets. As part of your planning, you should make copies of and safeguard specific personal and financial records. Also, take any actions necessary to prepare your property. Everyone in the family should understand what to do, where to go and what to take in the event of an emergency. Communications Plan • Create a comprehensive plan as a family for communicating in the event you are separated • Create a sheet or card with all phone numbers and information every individual may need, and make sure every family member has a copy of the communication plan • Be aware that in an emergency, phone lines and cell towers may be overloaded or out • Ensure every member of your family has a cell phone or a prepaid phone card in order to connect with your emergency contact during emergencies • Establish an out-of-state, in-case-of-emergency (ICE) contact and save in family cell phones • File a copy of emergency contact information with the command ombudsman and command Evacuation Plan • As a family, discuss where you will go in the event of an emergency • Discuss where your children will go if they are in school or daycare at the time of the emergency and make sure they understand where you will intend to be Practice Your Plan • Set up practice evacuations or shelter-in-place drills at least twice a year for your family to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency • Update your plan according to any issues that arise • Keep your emergency kit up to date and make sure everyone knows where it is • Check your smoke alarms regularly Build an Emergency Supply Kit • Create one or more emergency kits that include enough supplies for at least three days • It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash in your kit or a safe place where you can access them in case of evacuation. ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster Consider an Emergency Savings Account • Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in a crisis
Hurricane Shelters
and Evacuation
Base Hurricane Shelters JTF Personnel
As Assigned
Marine Site
Marine Hill Liberty Center
Marina Point
Marine Hill Liberty Center
Radio Point
Youth Center
Paola Point
Youth Center
Deer Point
Marine Hill Liberty Center
Contractor Manned Camps
Bowling Alley
Overflow
Community Center
Noncombatant Evacuation Operations: What You Need to Know
Noncombatant Evacuation Operations are the ordered (mandatory) or authorized (voluntary) departure of civilian noncombatants and nonessential military personnel from danger in an overseas country to a designated safe haven, typically within the continental United States. Overseas evacuations could occur under a variety of circumstances, including civil unrest, military uprisings, environmental concerns and natural disasters.
Who is a Noncombatant?
U.S. citizens who may be ordered to evacuate an overseas country include: • Civilian employees of all U.S. government agencies and their dependents, except as noted below • U.S. military personnel specifically designated for evacuation as noncombatants • Dependents of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. U.S. (and non-U.S.) citizens who may be authorized or assisted in evacuation (but not necessarily ordered to evacuate) include: • Civilian employees of U.S. government agencies and their dependents who are residents in the country but express the willingness to be evacuated • Private U.S. citizens and their dependents • Military personnel and dependents outlined above, short of an ORDERED evacuation • Designated aliens, including dependents of persons listed above.
How to Prepare • • • •
Submit NEO card with accurate information for all family members to command/unit. Make an evacuation plan that includes a plan for pets. Make an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated. Build a NEO kit.
What to Do During an Evacuation • • • • • • •
Stay tuned to AFN radio and television broadcasts for instructions. If an evacuation is ordered, report to the nearest assembly point as quickly as possible. Leave with the expectation that you will not return. Take your NEO kit with you. Cooperate and comply with NEO personnel. Remain calm and be flexible. Assist other noncombatants who need help.
Building a NEO Kit To be fully prepared for any emergency, your family should have one or more emergency kits that include enough supplies for at least three days. Keep a kit prepared at home and consider also having kits in your car, at work, and a portable version in your home ready to take with you. If you are stationed OCONUS, such as here in Guantanamo Bay, there are some special items, particularly important documents that can serve as proof of citizenship, that you should be sure to include in your kit in case of a NEO order. Keep all items listed below in your hand-carried baggage: • ID cards (military or U.S. govt) • Passports for all travelers • Birth certificates • Marriage certificates • Naturalization certificates/citizenship papers (as applicable) • Alien Registration Card (I 551) (as applicable) • Power of Attorney (family care plan/spousal needs, as applicable) • Last will and testament • Financial records (checkbook, bank books, credit cards, tax record, bills, etc) • Insurance policies
Planning for Pets
• Request an Authorization for TDY Travel • Copies of PCS orders/command sponsorship letter • Employment documents: resume, latest pay voucher, latest performance evaluation • Medical records (immunizations, copies of important medical/dental records) • 30-day supply of prescription medications • School records for children/adult evacuees (transcripts, test scores, etc) • Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93) • Vehicle registration/title/U.S. drivers license • Personal property inventory with photos (DD Form 1701- includes household goods) • Emergency Payment Authorization (DA Form 1337) • Money for emergency use (suggest U.S. $100 minimum cash) • Lightweight, high-energy, packaged food for all travelers for three days • Baby toiletries/diapers for three days • Personal toilet articles (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc) • Feminine hygiene articles • First aid kit • Flashlight with extra batteries • Extra clothing
In the past, DOD authorities have made great effort to evacuate pets along with the families. This may not always be feasible; therefore, families must make plans for their pets to stay behind if necessary. The cost of any commercial transport of the pets will be borne by the family. To fly on most Air Mobility Command or commercial airlines, including Department of State chartered aircraft, requires some necessary paperwork for your pet. Required documents typically include completion of the DD Form 2209, Veterinary Health Certificate, and the DD Form 2208, Rabies Vaccination Certificate. Also note that many commercial carriers do not transport pets during certain periods, for example, very hot summer months or when space is not available. If you are permitted to bring pets in an evacuation, make sure you have the following: • Separate carrier for each animal, except those nursing litters • Collars on each animal with owner ID information or microchip • Two copies of movement orders, health certificate, and shot records- one for owner to keep on person and one set attached to cage in waterproof pouch • Supply of pet food (specialty food if required) Being evacuated can be unsettling and difficult. The goal is to ensure evacuees are moved to their final safe haven locations as expeditiously as possible. If transportation arrangements cannot be made for immediate onward movement after processing, arrangements will be made for temporary housing at military installations or commercial facilities. Each service is responsible for providing financial assistance for its eligible military and civilian employees and their families. Keep in mind that due to processing time, payments or reimbursements may not be immediate. Upon arrival of evacuees at their final destination, the nearest installation in the local area is responsible for family support in coordination with the evacuee’s sponsoring service or agency. The sponsoring installation will assist the family, regardless of service affiliation, with any problems or needs that may arise, such as family support, return transportation requirements, household goods claims, etc.
Emergency Kits Preparedness Empowers You It saves lives, property, and time. Emergencies happen, often with little or no notice. By taking action beforehand you can be prepared for any emergency. Be Ready Navy! I am. Are you?
To fully prepare your family for an emergency, create one or more emergency kits well in advance of a crisis that include enough supplies for at least three days. If you live in a disaster-prone area (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes) consider extending your capability to five days. Throughout the year, your kit should expand and evolve depending on your family’s needs, the season, and the situation. Because emergencies can happen with little to no advance notice, you may need to evacuate quickly and may not have time to gather or shop for supplies. It is recommended that you not only have kits at home, but portable versions that you can maintain in your car or at work. These kits will enable you and your family to respond to an emergency quickly and will be useful whether you have to shelter in place or evacuate.
What to Put in Your Basic Home Kit Necessary � Water—at least one gallon per
person per day for at least three days
� Food—nonperishable food to sup-
port everyone in the household for at least three days (Include canned goods with low salt and high liquid content.)
� Manual can opener � First aid kit
� Prescription medications—enough
for at least three days
� Dust masks or cotton t-shirts for
every member of the household to help filter the air
� Personal sanitation supplies—
items such as moist towelettes (one container for every two people in the household), garbage bags, and plastic ties
� Flashlight—one flashlight for every
two people in the household
� Battery-powered or hand-crank
radio
� All-hazards NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio
� Extra batteries—sizes and quanti-
ties based on flashlights, radios, and other items in kit)
� Money (at a minimum, $100 in
local currency, small denomination bills)
� Wrench or pliers for turning off
utilities
� Local maps and your family
emergency plan
� Your command muster information � Important personal and financial
documents—printed copies or electronic copies on a durable storage media such as a thumb drive and stored in waterproof container
Additional � Infant formula—enough for at
least three days
� Diapers—enough for at least three
days
� Food and water for your pet—
enough for at least three days
� Items for individuals with special
needs, such as wheelchair batteries or other medical equipment or supplies
� Paper plates, paper cups, plastic
utensils, paper towels
� Disinfectant
� Matches in a waterproof container � Whistle to signal for help � Sturdy shoes
� Hats and gloves
� Sleeping bag or other weather-
appropriate bedding for each person
� A weather-appropriate change of
clothes for each person