Naval Air Station Pensacola

Every region in the world experiences some type of natural disaster. The types of natural disasters the Gulf Coast can experience are:

• Extreme Heat
• Drought
• Wild Fires
• Severe Thunderstorms & Lightning
• Floods
• Tornadoes
• Straight Line Winds
• Hurricanes
• Solar Storms 

Disaster Preparedness

Hurricane season starts 1 June and end 30 November. Hurricanes are a fact in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico is often referred to as "Hurricane Alley". Disaster preparedness is a must for the residents of Florida.

It is recommend to have Renter's Insurance if renting, even if living in Government Quarters/Housing, or Homeowner's insurance if purchasing. It is also recommend to have Flood insurance as well (the type that covers water rising from the ground) as this is a separate insurance. Make sure you and your family members are registered in NFAAS/AFPASS/ADPASS/CGPASS and you maintain a "grab-and-go bag" at all times, as well as a disaster preparedness kit.

Feel free to stop by the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at 151 Elyson Rd. Building 625 for a comprehensive hurricane preparedness list and suggestions before, during and after a hurricane or damaging storm.  These kits are important to have for everyone in the family to include pets.

While living in Florida. It is important to prepare for hurricanes and that means planning ahead and preparing for your pets as well.

If you evacuate:

Verify your local public shelters accept pets.  Before hurricane season begins, make sure all your pets have current immunizations and take these records with you if you must evacuate. Photograph each of your pets each year and include these pictures with your immunization and other medical records.

All animals should have secure carriers (or collapsible cages for large dogs) as well as collars, leashes, (muzzles if necessary) and rabies tags. Carriers should be large enough for the animals to stand comfortably and turn around and train your pets to become familiar with their carriers ahead of time. Your pet survival kit should include ample food (at least a one-week supply); water/food bowls; medications; specific care instructions; newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste; brushes, combs, and other hygiene items; toys and others comfort items; muzzles if necessary and a manual can opener if using can pet food. If you plan to house your pets at a kennel or clinic, call before evacuating to determine if space is available. Allow sufficient time to travel from the kennel to your evacuation location after making certain that your animals are secure.

If you stay at home:

Carriers, collars with proper ID and leashes should be maintained for your pets at all times. Your pets will be most comfortable and secured in a safe area of your home, this usually means inside your home, until the storm has passed. If they are not secured during the storm and your house is damaged, your pets may escape and become disoriented, since normal landmarks and scent trails could be obliterated. If your pets become lost, proper ID will ensure their return to you. Place your pet food and medication in watertight containers in a cool, dry, dark place inside the home. Store adequate water for your pets. Your normal water source may become contaminated. To purify water, add two drops of household bleach per quart of water, mix, seal tightly, let stand for 30 minutes before using. Walk your pets on a leash until they become reoriented to their home. Caution: Downed power lines and other debris pose real dangers to you and your pets. Do not allow pets to consume food or water that may have become contaminated.

Do not leave a dog tied outside in hurricane weather. If you evacuate, take your pet (if it is dangerous for you it is dangerous for them).

After the storm

When the Pensacola area is impacted by a hurricane, the FFSC may stand up an Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) for local military and their families.  Check local information such as news outlets, NASP or FFSC FaceBook or webpages or try calling 850-452-5990 ext. 0 for updated information.

For more information concerning hurricane preparedness, please call the FFSC at 850-452-5990 ext. 0.

Go to  Flood Plain Management (myescambia.com)  for flood zones and current information on disaster preparedness in Escambia County (Pensacola).

Track the projected path of storms at National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov).

Disaster Preparedness

Visit Make A Plan | Ready.gov for overall disaster preparedness and visit  Disaster Plan (myescambia.com) for local information.

Fleet and Family Support Center offers briefs, lists and information for disaster preparedness.