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

Often times the Gulf of Mexico is referred to as “Hurricane Alley,” as the seasons begins on 1 June and ends 30 November.

If you are renting or even living in government quarters/housing, it is recommended for you to have renter’s insurance. If you are purchasing a home, be sure that you secure flood insurance (insurance that covers water rising from the ground), as this is separate from homeowner’s 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.

The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is able to provide a comprehensive hurricane preparedness list and suggestions for before, during and after a hurricane or threatening storm. Preparing a kit is important to have for everyone in your family, to include your pets.

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 and FFSC Facebook or webpages, you may 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 preparation lists and information for disaster preparedness. You can reach FFSC at 850-452-5990 for additional information.