Marine Corps Base Quantico -- There’s not much we can do about Mother Nature, but there are some steps we can take to minimize the effects of her fury.
That’s the idea behind America’s PrepareAthon, the biannual campaign of action that seeks to provide a recurring opportunity to learn more about the weather-related hazards that threaten our communities such as tornados, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and winter storms. The monthlong April 2015 America’s PrepareAthon Campaign, which culminates with National PrepareAthon Day on April 30, seeks to better educate individuals, organizations and communities about steps they can take in case an unexpected natural disaster arises.
“It’s just always a good idea,” said Carol Shelton, base emergency planner, Marine Corps Base Quantico. “Whether you’re in your car, in your home or whatever, it’s important to always be prepared.”
Drills, group discussions and exercises have been planned nationwide in the hopes of lessening people’s vulnerabilities to natural disasters.
The Marine Corps hopes the America’s PrepareAthon Campaign will help better educate its service members, their families and civilian employees about the protective measures they are to take before, during and after an emergency and help better coordinator emergency responses with communities adjacent to Marine installations.
The heightened awareness over preparation comes at a good time as winter has given way to the start of spring, which can bring destructive storms to the area on occasion. Among other directives, Marines and others aboard Quantico should always be aware of the following:
• When destructive weather is forecast, stay tuned to local television, radio or NOAA weather radio for further information and possible watches and warnings.
• If a tornado warning is issued for our immediate area, take cover in a safe location at your home or workplace or the lowest level of a substantial building. If you can’t get to a safe location or the lowest level of a substantial building, take alternative measures. If an open buildings such as a shopping mall, warehouse or gym, go quickly to a restroom or interior hallway. If there is no time, get up against structures that will support or deflect falling debris. If in a car or truck, exit your vehicle and find cover inside a sturdy building. A culvert or ditch can provide shelter if a substantial building is not nearby. Lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not seek shelter under an overpass or bridge because you are safer in a low, flat location. If outdoors, find shelter immediately in the nearest substantial building. If no buildings are close, lie down flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. If in a mobile homes or trailer, leave immediately and seek shelter inside a nearby sturdy building or lie down in a ditch away from your home/trailer, covering your head with your hands.
• Whenever destructive weather is forecast, outside equipment, construction sites and materials, trash cans, dumpsters, furniture should be secured.
• Knowing that power outages can be widespread, personnel should always have battery-powered radios, flashlights and at least three days of supplies (non-perishable food, water and medications) on hand in their residences.
• Commands and Tenant Activities should be prepared to quickly account for all personnel and report damages/outages as necessary.
• MCB Quantico has a mass notification system that will be used to broadcast emergency notifications, warnings and instructions to personnel aboard Quantico. Commands/activities that are not on the Marine Corps NMCI network will not be able to access the QMNS.
— Writer: jhollis@quanticosentryonline.com