Post braces for Hanna

Susanne Kappler              Leader Staff

As this year’s hurricane season kicks into full gear, Tropical Storm Hanna is making its way toward the Southeastern seashore. As of press time Wednesday, the storm was projected to make landfall Friday or Saturday as a Category 1 hurricane somewhere between Florida and North Carolina. A category 1 hurricane packs winds of 74-95 mph. Because of the storm, graduation for the 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment has been moved to 9 a.m., today. Family Day activities are canceled. The possibility of Hanna hitting the South Carolina shore could have a serious impact on Fort Jackson. “The hurricanes that come in from straight across the Atlantic and hit Charleston just keep on going straight across to Columbia like Hugo did in 1989,” said John Coynor, Fort Jackson’s force protection officer. It is important for everyone in the area to stay on top of the latest developments. The Fort Jackson Emergency Operations Center will continue to send updates via e-mail while available. In case of emergencies, the mass notification system on post will be used to transmit immediate warnings throughout the cantonment area, including parts of the housing areas. In addition, everyone should follow the latest updates in the local media. Information about the condition on Fort Jackson will be available through several media outlets. On the radio, stay tuned to WVOC-AM 560 (www.wvoc.com). News about Fort Jackson will also be available on Columbia’s local television stations: WLTX (www.wltx.com), WIS (www.wistv.com), WOLO (www.abccolumbia. tv) and WACH (www.wach.com). Also, look for updates in The State newspaper (www.thestate. com) and online at www.jackson.army.mil. While hardened structures, such as the buildings on post including the housing areas, are designed to withstand heavy winds, people living in mobile homes are urged to evacuate and seek shelter in more solid structures. Fort Jackson has eight locations designated as shelters for Soldiers and family members who do not live in hardened structures. In case of an emergency, the first shelter to open will be the Floyd Spence Reserve Center, which can hold up to 100 people. Other designated shelter locations on post are the MG Robert B. Solomon Center, C.C. Pinckney Elementary School, Coleman Gym, Pierce Terrace Elementary School, Vanguard Gym, Hood Street Elementary School and the Youth Services Center. In total, the shelters can accommodate about 1,000 people. Several lower-lying areas on Fort Jackson, such as Sumter Avenue and the lake areas, may be affected by flooding during a storm. The Directorate of Public Works is taking precautions to make sure flooding on post will be minimized. In case a storm approaches South Carolina, water levels on Semmes Lake, Twin Lakes and Weston Lake may be reduced to avoid additional flooding. Area residents should prepare for the possible impact of Hanna –– or any other storm—by getting their emergency supply kit ready (see box). According to the National Hurricane Center, inland flooding can pose a major threat to areas hundreds of miles away from the coast as these storms often carry large amounts of rain. Anyone who lives in an area that might be cut off by flood waters, should move to a safe area before access is cut off. Residents should never attempt to cross flowing water because as little as 6 inches may cause vehicles to spin out of control. Hurricanes also can produce tornadoes, which are hard to predict and may strike an area with little or no warning. In case of a tornado threat, everyone should move to the lowest floor of the building and take cover in an interior hallway, closet or small room. In the aftermath of a storm, it is important to heed local safety advisories. Downed power lines are especially dangerous. Anyone encountering a downed power line needs to stay away, stay out of the water and –– if the power line is on Fort Jackson— call the EOC at 751-5166/5167. The Fort Jackson Severe Weather Emergency Action Plan is available to computer users on post by visiting www.jackson.army.mil/DPTM/index.htm and clicking on the G3/DPTMS Information Portal. Click on “plans” and go to “SWEAP 2008.” For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.nhc.noaa.gov. Susanne.Kappler1@us.army.mil