Naval Air Station Pensacola

Disaster Preparedness

Hurricane season lasts from 01 June through 30 November. Hurricanes are a fact of life 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 suggested you have Renter's Insurance if renting or living in Government Quarters/Housing, or Homeowner's insurance if purchasing. Make sure you also have Flood insurance as well (the type that covers water rising from the ground) 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.

Hurricane Regulations

Remember you are living in Florida. You must prepare for hurricanes and that means planning for your pets as well.

If you evacuate:

Verify your local public shelters accept pets.  Before hurricane season begins on June 1 every year, make sure all your pets have current immunizations and take these records with you if you must evacuate. Photograph each of your pets prior to June 1 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 (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. A manual can opener is a necessity. 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). For a copy of Hurricane Prep Guidebook, register for the Disaster Prep class conducted monthly at the Naval Air Station Pensacola Fleet and Family Support Center. Contact the FFSC Disaster Assistance Branch to register at 850-452-5990 ext. 0.

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 

Go to the Be Ready Escambia website for flood zones and current information on disaster preparedness in Escambia County (Pensacola).

The Fleet and Family Support Center for Hurricane Preparedness information or call 850-452-5990 ext 0.

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.