MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The beginning of June marked the start of hurricane season throughout the Atlantic region. Hurricane season is a time when meteorologists and the general public prepare for the six-month period of potential storms and the impact a severe storm could bring.
While it is impossible to fully predict future weather conditions, meteorologists are predicting an above normal hurricane season this year, said John Cole, the warning coordination meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at Morehead City, N.C.
According to NOAA’s 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook, there is a 70 percent chance of 13 to 20 named storms, seven to 11 hurricanes and three to six major hurricanes.
The local area is vulnerable to hurricanes due to factors such as its coastal location. As storms draw near, a better idea can be formed of a hurricane’s impact, added Cole.
Hurricanes are known to ravage communities by destroying homes and businesses. In the past the tropical cyclones have devastated Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and local communities.
Hurricane Bertha, in July of 1996, damaged more than 800 homes aboard base while the region sustained more than $100 million in damages, according to Bertha and Fran Coastal Carolina’s Stormy Summer of ‘96, a 1997 Jacksonville Daily News publication.
Hurricane Fran trampled the region two months later leaving an additional 4,000 homes aboard MCB Camp Lejeune damaged and costing the region more than $300 million, according to the same publication.
To prepare for the season, leaders aboard MCB Camp Lejeune held a town hall forum last week. Members of Onslow County’s emergency response and destructive weather programs and base officials presented information to members of the MCB Camp Lejeune community and answered questions.
Base officials are also preparing an upcoming annual destructive weather exercise in July where base personnel will run through emergency procedures.
Before a hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends making a plan and building an emergency kit, which should include items needed to survive for up to a week.
FEMA also recommends creating a communications plan so family members know how to reach each other in case of emergency.
For more information visit mcieast.marines.mil/StaffOffices/EmergencyManagement/MCBCampLejeune.
Hurricane Survival List
Food and water
Water – 1 gallon per day per person
(3-7 day supply)
Water purification kit or bleach
Pre-cooked, non perishable
foods, such as canned meats,
granola bars, instant soup and
cereals, etc.
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and
plastic utensils
Non-electric can opener
Medical
Essential medications
FIrst aid kit and first aid book
Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
Baby supplies
Formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby
powder, clothing, blankets, baby
wipes, disposable diapers, canned
food and juices
Supplies and Special Items
Personal hygiene items such as tooth
brush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant,
etc.
Toilet paper, towelettes
Change of clothing, including sturdy
shoes
1 blanket or sleeping bag per
person
NOAA Weather Radio, portable
radio or portable TV and extra
batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Extra pair of eye glasses or contacts
Extra house and car keys
Fire extinguisher – ABC-type
Cash and change, checkbook and
credit cards
Important Documents
Mortgage insurance
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Wills
Tax information
Bank information
List of famiy physicians
List of important family information,
such as style and serial number of
medical devices like pacemakers
Video or picture inventory of
household items.
Pets
Food, water, leash and carrier
Vaccination records
Important Emergency Phone Numbers
Automated Information System
451-1717
American Red Cross
451-2173
MCCS Headquarters
451-9381/82
Commissary
451-5071
Game Warden
451-5226
DoD Domestic Dependent Elementary & Secondary Schools
451-2461
Base Maintenance (Emergency Repairs)
451-3001
PMO Desk Sergeant
451-2555
Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune (Communications)
450-4910
Emergency Shelters
Lejeune High School, Building 835
835 Stone Street, Camp Lejeune, N.C., 28547
Brewster Middle School, Building 883
883 Stone Street, Camp Lejeune, N.C., 28547
Tarawa Terrace II Elementary School, Building TT-84
84 Iwo Jima Boulevard, Tarawa Terrace, N.C., 28543