1

Emergency Management

May 2016

Tornado Exercise Planned

for May 14

hile were still in the throes of winter, its

hard to imagine a tornado showing up,
but tornado season is year-round. The St
Louis metro region averages 24 tornadoes annually,
and it helps to know where to go and what to do when
one is about to strike. As an employee on Scott Air
Force Base, be prepared for a tornado drill at all times.
20 weak tornadoes were recorded in the metro region
in 2015 and 2014, making both below average years
for tornadoes. However, there were 67 tornadoes in
the region from 2011 to 2013. 20 people died in 2011
due to tornadoes. On June 27, 2013, an EF-1 tornadoe tracked for 5 miles, partially over water, through
the Farmington area. Straight-line winds and baseball-sized hail produced by the same storm caused
considerable damange, with two deaths and 36 injuries
resulting from the storm, reported the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Tornado drills are a point of emphasis for base leadership. Those seeking to learn more can visit www.932em.com/tornado for more information.

Participation and readiness has improved in recent

years. However, you can never be too prepared. A
NOAA Weather Radio is one of the fastest ways to
receive a tornado warning and they are available at
many stores and online for about the cost of a fill-up at
a gas station. Receiving a tornado warning as quickly
as posible can make the difference between life and
death, according to John Jones, Emergency Management Craftsman for the 375th Civil Engineering
Squadron.
Cellphone apps, such as BeReady are also available,
and can quickly provide critical warning information
at little or no cost. Wireless Emergency Alerts also
provide tornado and flash flood warnings via text message to any compatible cellphone within the
warning area, even if you are visiting or just traveling
through an affected area.
The impromptu drills are an effort by the NWS and
the Illinois Department of Emergency Management to
emphasize the need to prepare for tornadoes, which
have occurred during all months.

In This Issue

Tornado Drills
page 1

Pets and Storms

page 7

Terrorism Advisory
page 2

Home Fires
page 8

Earthquake Actions
page 3

Tornadoes
page 9

Silver Flag Relocation

page 4

Hazardous Materials
page 10

Active Shooter
page 5

PrepareAthon!
page 11

Floods
page 6

Disaster Preparedness Kit

page 12

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016
The drills will start with a test tornado warning sent by
the NWS to NOAA Weather Radios. NOAA Weather
Radios will sound a tone alertand show a message (or
flash to indicate a message) to simulate what people
will hear or see during an actualtornado warning.
The test message then will be broadcast by many local
radio and TVstations and cable outlets.
With an average of more than 1,000 tornadoes annually,the United States leads the list of countries worldwide with tornadoes, according to NOAA. The Plains,
southeast U.S , and Midwest, including the St Lous
Metro area, have the greatest potential for tornadoes.
Thisis due in part to the high number of thunderstormsoccurring in this region, and a high number of
storms means a greater chance of tornadoes.
For more information about how to protect you and
your family from tornadoes, visit the Federal Emergency Management website at www.fema.gov

National Terrorism
Advisory System

t the end of last year, the Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled an
update to the National Terrorism Advisory
System (NTAS). DHS said it will achieve the objective
of more flexible, timely and useful communication
with the public regarding terrorist threats through the
introduction of an additional component of NTAS to
accompany the existing NTAS Alerts: the NTAS
Bulletin. NTAS bulletins will provide information
describing broader or more general trends and current
developments regarding threats of terrorism. They will

share important terrorism-related information with

the American public and various partners and stakeholders, including in those situations where additional
precautions may be warranted, but where the
circumstances do not warrant the issuance of an
elevated or imminent alert. An NTAS Bulletin will
summarize the issue and why it is important for public
awareness, outline U.S. government counterterrorism
efforts and offer recommendations to the public on
how it can contribute to the overall counterterrorism
effort.
With the introduction of the bulletin, NTAS will now
consist of two types of advisories: bulletins and alerts.
If there is sufficient information regarding a credible,
specific terrorist threat against the U.S., DHS will share
an NTAS Alert either elevated or imminent.
The alert may include specific information, if available,
about the nature of the threat, including the geographic region, mode of transportation or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, as well as steps
that individuals and communities can take to protect
themselves and help prevent, mitigate or respond to
the threat.

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

Preparing Your Business for an Earthquake

n earthquake can happen at anytime and anywhere. Unlike many other natural disasters,
earthquakes can strike during any season. An
earthquake can also occur with little to no warning at
all. Earthquakes can knock out heat, power and communications services, sometimes for days at a time,
leaving people stuck without utilities or other services.
Your goal for protection is to learn to drop, cover and
hold on during an earthquake.
Most casualties and injuries during an earthquake
occur when: people fall while trying to walk or run
during the shaking; when they are hit by falling, flying
or sliding items or non-structural debris; and/or when
they are struck or trapped by collapsing walls or other
parts of the building. The Americas PrepareAthon!
explains what you should do before, during and after
an earthquake:

To prevent potential injuries, take the time to secure

your space. Secure items that might fall, fly or slide in
an earthquake. Imagine if the room was picked up and
shaken up and down and side to side and then determine what items would be thrown around. This type of
flying debris should be expected during an earthquake.

Make sure your business is safer during earthquakes

and more resistant to earthquake damage. Get
professional help to assess the buildings structure and
then take steps to install nonstructural solutions,
including foundation bolting and cripple wall bracing

Cybersecurity Disaster

mall businesses in the U.S. are hiding behind the

belief they have done enough to secure themselves against hackers and malware when in
reality many are vulnerable to attacks that could doom
their businesses, according to a recent survey. The survey, sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance
(NCSA) and Symantec, found that 77 percent of 1,015
small businesses think they are safe from cyber attacks.
The survey defines small business as a company with
less than 250 employees.The reality, however, is that 83
percent of those companies do not have a cybersecurity plan in place even though they are relying more and
more on technology such as cloud services and social
media to conduct business.
As the headquarters for several major military operations inlucluding TRANSCOM the Scott AFB area is
a major target of cyber attacks. Ensure you are following all prescribed computer use protocols. Personally
identifiable information (PII) is any data that could
potentially identify a specific individual. In addition, if
you see computer misuse or vulnerabilities be sure to
inform your local network administrator.
More: www.zdnet.com/on-cybersecurity

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

PACAF Silver Flag Moves

to Guam

Members of 554th RHS Detachment 1, and graduates of the final

Silver Flag class on Kadena, salute the American flag on Kadena
AB, Japan, April 12, 2016. Squadron members took part in the
final ceremony for the Silver Flag contingency exercise held on
Kadena. The exercise is moving to Guam, where its parent unit
is located. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Keith A.
James/Released)

UAMPACAF is moving its premier combat support contingency training capability

provided by the 554th RED HORSE Squadron
(RHS) from Kadena Air Base (AB), Japan to Andersen
AFB, Guam. Detachment 1 will join the 554th RHS,
644th Combat Communications Squadron, and the
736th Security Forces Squadron Commando Warrior
combat support training site. Moving Detachment 1 to
Guam completes the PRTC and further enhances the
expeditionary combat skills capability that is integral
to the shift in the Pacific. The PRTC at Guam greatly
expands the opportunities to bring in partner nation
combat support personnel for Subject Matter Expert
exchanges, joint training, and multinational named
exercises, such as COPE NORTH. Currently, the unit
looks forward to initial operating capability in early
2017.

Morgans Minute

What to Do When the Lights Go Out

Power outages can cause
havoc in the community.
Along with infrastructure
concerns, such as traffic light
outages and disruptions in
wastewater pumping stations, lack of electricity will
also affect your ability to
keep the lights on, stay cool
or warm, refrigerate food, charge your phone, get
gas, etc. Recent storms have caused extensive power outages throughout the Scott AFB region. Major
storms caused 16 percent outages in October. Many
residents in St Louis and the Southern Illinois region
have suffered extensive outages lasting more than
two weeks. Taking a few steps prior to an emergency
can help ensure your preparedness.
Develop a support system of friends and family in
case of severe cold or heat during a power outage.
Always keep at least a half tank of gas in your
vehicle since power outages will keep the gas
station pumps from operating.
Never burn anything indoors to stay warm. Extra
blankets are an inexpensive solution to staying
warm, along with layers of warm clothing.
Ready.gov contains information on preparing for a
blackout at www.ready.gov/blackouts.
If you or your organization are in need of a
presentation about emergency preparedness, call me
at 256-9267 or email kevin.morgan@us.af.mil.

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

Active Shooter

n active shooter is an individual who is

engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most
cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no
pattern or method to their selection of victims.
Victims are selected at random
Event is unpredictable and evolves quickly
Knowing what to do can save lives
Preparation increases survivability

Winter Weather Preparation

Tips

ay attention to weather reports on the radio. Allow time in your schedule for bad weather and/
or traffic delays.
Keep your windows clear of snow and ice.
If you need to turn on your wipers, you need to
turn on your headlights .
Keep your gas tank at least half full.

When an Active Shooter is in your vicinity, you must

be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with
the situation. Use the below three steps as a guidline as
to how to react to an active shooter situation.

RUN

Have an escape route and plan in mind

Leave your belongings behind

HIDE
Hide in an area out of the shooters view
Lock door or block entry to your hiding
place

FIGHT

Fight as a last resort and only when your

life is in imminent danger

Bridges become slick and icy before roads. Bridge

temperatures can be five to six degrees colder than
roadways, so drive with extreme caution during
freezing temperatures.
Check temperature and wind chill index before
traveling
Dress warmly, with several layers. Dress for the
worst just in case.
Use a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water resistant boots.
Cover exposed skin as much as possible.
Watch for frostbite, on finger tips, ear lobes, the
nose, or toes.
Avoid over-exertion, The cold already puts a strain
on the body and heart.

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

Flood Insurance 101

aking action to prepare for flood hazards is

important no matter where you live but especially if you are in low-lying areas or near
water. Since floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S., preparing for this
hazard is critical. One way to prepare
is with flood insurance. Keep your
head above water by learning the basics about this
special coverage available
for homes and businesses.
Heres what you should know:
Flood losses are not typically covered under renter and homeowners insurance policies.
Flood insurance is available in most communitiesthrough insurance agents.
There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance goes into effect.

Flood Preparedness
In addition to insuring your property, there are things
you can do to minimize potential losses to your home
and ensure your familys safety. Identify the types
of hazards that could affect your family. Know your
homes vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and
wind. The following are tips for evacuating before a
storm hits. If possible, leave before local officials issue
and evacuation order for your area. Even a slight
delay in starting your evacuation will result in significantly longer travel times as traffic congestion worsens.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a

valuable resource to learn more about your flood risk,
how to find an agent and the flood recovery process.
NFIP also offers interactive ways to understand
floods. You can calculate the cost of flooding,
watch real flood testimonials and launch
a levee simulator to take your flood
knowledge to the next level. Having
a plan in place is one of the most
important considerations
in protecting your family
from a natural disaster.
Floods are also one of
the spring hazards featured
in Americas PrepareAthon! Soon
youll be able to register to participate
and take action for flood preparedness; in
the meantime, learn more about this grassroots
campaign at www.ready.gov/ prepare.
Reprinted from FEMAs Individual and Community
Preparedness e-Brief, March 21 edition.

Select an evacuation destination that is nearest to

your home, preferably in the same county, or at least
minimize the distance you must travel in order to
reach your intended sheter location.
In choosing your destination, keep in mind that
the hotels and other sheltering options in most inland metropolitan areas are likely to be filled very
quickly in a large evacuation event.
Make sure that you fill up your car with gas.
Make arrangements to stay with the friend or
relative who resides closest to your home and who
will not have to evacuate.

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

Prepare Your Pets

alling all pet owners. The likelihood your pet

will survive a disaster such as a flood or
tornado depends largely on proper emergency planning. In support of Americas PrepareAthon!,
FEMA Region III is hosting a national #Petpared
Challenge to prepare pets for emergencies. Take action
and join in this activity through May 8.
There are several ways to participate:
Download a pet preparedness mobile application
(for example the American Red Cross Pet First Aid
App or the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals App).
Build a pet emergency supply kit.
ID your pet with a collar and tag or consider micro
chipping.
Determine where you would evacuate with your
pet as some public shelters may not accommodate
animals.
Create a buddy system with a relative or friend to
help each others pets if one of you is away from
home during an emergency.
Once youve completed an a tion, take a picture (or a
selfie) of your #petpared pet and share it on Twitter or
Instagram using hashtag #Petpared to help spread the
word.
Ready Program
www.ready.gov/caring-animals
Red Cross
www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/pet-first-aid-app
ASPCA
www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

Thunderstorms
and Lightning

id you know lightning continues to be one

of the top three storm-related killers in the
United States? And did you know that all
thunderstorms produce lightning?
Before
If you hear thunder roar, go indoors!
During
Dont touch anything metal outside.
Dont lie on
concrete floors or
lean against concrete
walls they conduct
electricity.
After
Stay away from
loose or dangling
power lines.
Stay away from
areas damaged by
the storm or flood waters.
www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

Americans Not Prepared

for Disaster

recent Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA) survey found that nearly 60
percent of American adults have not practiced
what to do in a disaster by participating in a disaster
drill or preparedness exercise at work, school or home
in the past year.Further, only 39 percent of respondents
have developedan emergency plan and discussed it
with theirhousehold. This is despite the fact that 80
percent of Americans live in counties that have been
hit with a weather-related disaster since 2007, as reported by the Washington Post.
With the number of weather-related disasters on the
rise, individuals, organizations and communities are
encouraged to take action to prepare for specific hazards through group discussions, drills and exercises.
There are several simple actions to stay safe before,
during and after emergencies, such as:
Develop an emergency communication plan. This
will help you be in touch if a disaster strikes and
family members in different locations.
Collect important documents and keep them in
a safe place. This will help you evacuate without delay and get back on track after the disaster passes.
Gather emergency supplies. Pack a go bag to
evacuate quickly and have supplies in the home to
be safe without water or power.

Home Fires

ach year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600

are injured in home fires in the United States,
with direct property loss due to home fires
estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Home fires can be
prevented!
To protect yourself, it is important to understand the
basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there
is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In
just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In
five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than
the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your
lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you
disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by
a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is
the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a
three-to-one ratio.
Common causes of fires at night are carelessly discarded cigarettes, sparks from fireplaces without spark
screens or glass doors, and heating appliances left too
close to furniture or other combustibles.

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

May 2016

Prepare You and Your Family from Tornadoes

ornadoes are natures most violent storms.

Spawned from powerful thunderstorms,
tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate
a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a
rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a
thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that
can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in
excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state
is at some risk from this hazard.

Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of
the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer
months.
Peak tornado season in the southern states is
March through May; in the northern states, it is
late spring through early summer.
Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 pm
and 9 pm, but can occur at any time.

Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally,
tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance
warning is possible. Before a tornado hits, the wind
may die down and the air may become very still. A
cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado
even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not
uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a tornado hazard:
Tornado Watch - Tornadoes are possible. Remain
alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and
stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial
radio or television for information.
Tornado Warning - A tornado has been sighted or
indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

Tornado Facts
Quick facts you should know about tornadoes:
They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
They may appear nearly transparent until dust and
debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in
any direction.
The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 mph,
but may vary from stationary to 70 mph.
Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and
hurricanes as they move onto land.

If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds
are from flying debris, so protect your head.
If you are in a structure
Go to a basement or cellar. If there is no basement, go
to the center of a small interior room on the lowest
level. Do not open windows.
If you are outside
Lie in an area noticeably lower than the level of the
roadway and cover your head with your arms and a
blanket, coat or other cushion if possible.

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

10

May 2016

Hazardous Materials

hemicals are found everywhere. They purify

drinking water, increase crop production and
simplify household chores. But chemicals also
can be hazardous to humans or the environment if
used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during
production, storage, transportation, use or disposal.
You and your community are at risk if a chemical is
used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the
environment where you live, work or play.
Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death,
serious injury, long-lasting health effects and damage
to buildings, homes and other property. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and
stored in homes routinely. These products are also
shipped daily on the nations highways, railroads, waterways and pipelines.
Chemical manufacturers are one source of hazardous
materials, but there are many others, including service
stations, hospitals and hazardous materials waste sites.

Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured, used or stored at an estimated 4.5 million
facilities in the United States--from major industrial
plants to local dry cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores.
Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives,
flammable and combustible substances, poisons and
radioactive materials. These substances are most often
released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.
Following a hazardous materials incident:
Go to a designated public shelter if you have been
told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain
in your home. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to
43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your
area (example: shelter 12345).
Follow decontamination instructions from local
authorities. You may be advised to take a thorough
shower or you may be advised to stay away from
water and follow another procedure.
For more information visit www. ready.gov

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

11

May 2016

Join the movement at www.fema.gov/PrepareAthon

Americas PrepareAthon! is bringing together millions of people to practice simple steps so they can be
prepared for natural and man-made disasters. Participate so youll be ready to keep yourself and others safe.

AMERICAS

SM

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com

Disaster Preparedness Kit

Being prepared before a disaster occurs is vital in mitigating negative consequences. Disasters can often happen quickly, leaving you little time to react. Use this checklist to guide you through preparing for the worst.

Family Phone Numbers

Insurance Information

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Company:

10.

Location one 5 miles from home:

11.
12.

Location two 20 Miles from home:

Coverage:
Phone:

Meeting Place

Medical Information

Tornado Rally Point

Name:

Location:

Allergies:

Location:

Medical Conditions:

Name:

House Emergency Kit

Batteries
Water
Flashlight
Canned Food
Can Opener
Duct Tape
Radio
Blankets
Cash
Pet Food

Other

Notes
Information Stations

Allergies:

Radio station:

Medical Conditions:

TV station :

932nd CES Emergency Management Flight, 702 Hangar Rd, Scott AFB, IL 62225 256-4831 www.932em.com