Kadena prepares for typhoon season

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Angelique Perez
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  It's that time of year again, typhoon season is here, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center is helping Kadena families stay prepared. 

Typhoon season begins June 1 and extends till Nov. 30. During that time, Okinawa military bases are in permanent Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness-4 status and it's important to be prepared ahead of time. 

Kadena's A&FRC is offering a typhoon preparation class to teach people how to be prepared in case a storm does come this way. 

"Have a Family Disaster Plan; i.e. communication plan, pets plan, evacuation plan, discuss the plan, practice the plan and prepare your typhoon supply kit now," said Tech. Sgt. Reynard Brooks, Readiness NCO at the A&FRC. "Also, have a quick reference typhoon checklist." 

Some quick tips he gave were to keep a quick reference typhoon checklist and a list of emergency contact numbers readily available. Also, know what to do before, during, and after the typhoon and have a rally point inside the house in case the power is lost. 

Sergeant Brooks also stressed the importance of planning ahead by going to the commissary now, while typhoon conditions are moderate. 

According to weather officials, it is possible for a tropical depression to develop into a small typhoon in 24-48 hours, though it rarely happens that fast. This is why Okinawa is always in TCCOR-4 during typhoon season. 

TCCOR changes are tied to official forecast tracks issued by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Hawaii and the TCCOR authority for Okinawa is the 18th Wing commander. The weather flight keeps all information in real time and makes sure it is relayed as soon as possible during the storm. 

Mr. Ted Danecki, a Lead Meteorologist with the 18th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight said, "when changes to TCCORs are issued we update our webpage, telephone recording, contact AFN to broadcast on TV and radio and command post notifies all agencies through a pyramid system to allow all organizations to update signs around base." 

He also suggested that families keep, at a minimum, non-perishable foods, water, battery operated radio, water-proof flashlight and extra batteries. Also, ensure any outside furniture, bicycles, lawn care equipment, etc., can either be tied down or moved indoors. 

"Contrary to popular belief the weather station does not make the weather, we only forecast it," Mr. Danecki said. "We're only in marketing, if you have issues with production contact the chaplain." 

The typhoon checklist and the list of needed supplies for a typhoon kit can be found in the Kadena Air Base Emergency Actions Guide which the A&FRC does provide during its Typhoon Preparation training classes.

For more information on the classes and when the next one will be held, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 634-3366.