Kadena updates TCCOR warnings Published April 14, 2014 By Senior Airman Marcus Morris 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena has recently made changes to the Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness. Though typhoons are most frequent from June to November with as many as 26 typhoons forming in a season, usually only a few pass close enough to Okinawa to be of any concern to people stationed here. However, as the weather warms and the season approaches, it's important to know the conditions and their meanings, as well as have an emergency supply kit on-hand. According to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Flight, most of the TCCOR information has stayed the same, but TCCOR 1, 1C and Storm Watch have been changed with the addition of TC-Storm Clear as well. CONDITIONS OF READINESS The following are the current TCCORs, their meanings and the actions that should be taken for safety: TC-4: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours. Stock up on food, bottled water, dry milk, batteries, flashlights, candles and other emergency supplies. Review all TCCOR checklists and actions. TC-4 stays in affect from June 1 to Nov. 30 every year. TC-3: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours. Housing residents will remove or secure all outdoor and balcony items, fill vehicles and grill gas tanks, keep important documents safe and clean debris from gutters, storm drains, sidewalks and ditches near your quarters. Initiate a general clean-up around your office. TC-2: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater anticipated within 24 hours. Secure all outdoor property such as picnic tables, barbecue grills, etc. Be prepared to cover broken windows and sandbag doorsills. TC-1: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. Keep children home from Department of Defense Dependents Schools if called prior to 5 a.m. School Age Programs and Child Development Centers will remain open. Fill any available containers with water. Make a final check of food, water and other supplies. TC-1 CAUTION: Winds of 50 knots are occuring. All outdoor activities, except those in direct support of urgent military missions, will be discontinued. The Base Exchange and Commissary close and all non-mission-essential people should be off the streets and in their residences. All AAFES facilities close. Pick up children from SAP/CDC's within one hour of announcement. TC-1 EMERGENCY: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater occurring. All outside activities are prohibited. Stay indoors away from windows. Report all damage to Housing Maintenance at 634-4663. TC-1 RECOVERY: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. No outdoor activity is authorized other than workers from pre-designated emergency crews. TCCOR-1 recovery Mission-Essential Passes, which are issued to mission-essential agencies only, must be in the driver's possession before attempting to travel on Kadena. Report all damage to Housing Maintenance at 634-4663. TC-STORM WATCH: Winds are not forecasted to exceed 50 knots sustained but there still exists a probability of high winds due to the proximity of the storm. The storm is also close enough to the area that a heightened alert status is necessary in order to rapidly establish elevated TCCOR conditions should the storm deviate from the forecasted track. Normal activities may resume with caution two hours after declaration of STORM WATCH. AAFES facilities and the commissary may reopen as well. Stay tuned to AFN television and radio. Report all damage to Housing Maintenance at 634-4663. Report all other damage to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Unit Control Center at 634-1915. TC-STORM CLEAR: The storm is over and not forecasted to return. Outdoor activity and transit between installations is authorized. Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present, however be alert to possible damage and hazardous conditions on roads, etc. Report all damage to Housing Maintenance at 634-4663. Report all other damage to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Unit Control Center at 634-1915. It is highly encouraged that Airmen and their families prepare a basic emergency supply kit for typhoon season. Some recommended items include a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water per person (one gallon of water per person per day), a first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, non-electric can opener, paper plates and utensils, battery powered radio and moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation. For more information about TCCOR changes, visit http://weather.kadenaforcesupport.com, http://www.facebook.com/KadenaAirBase or call Kadena Force Support at 634-4081.