In the event of inclement weather…

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Crystal M. Jordan
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La., --  Barksdale Air Force Base, La., home to the 917th Wing, has experienced sunshine, thunderstorms and a hard freeze within the last month due to the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

In the past year, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms have passed through Barksdale, causing Airmen living and working here and civilians around the base to prepare for inclement weather and natural disasters.

"Being an avid traveler, I am always prepared. You never know when and where you will need a survival kit," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston, acting chief of public affairs for the 917th WG, when speaking about his very own kit.

Water and food are daily necessities, but in the event of inclement weather, or natural disasters these necessities that are usually within an arm's reach, can be hard to find.

This reality is a reason the National Weather Service provides disaster supply kit lists. They catalog everything needed to ensure the short-term survival of a person after a natural disaster.

In addition to water and food, the weather service also recommends that each household stock up on toiletries, hygiene items and batteries.

Banks and ATMs may not be accessible or available for a period of time. Therefore it is recommended to include small bills of cash in your kit.

A battery operated weather radio and a fully charged cell phone with an extra battery are suggested in order to maintain contact with others and keep up to date with the most recent developments regarding the disaster and its relief efforts.

Relief efforts may take anywhere from hours to days, depending on the extent of the damage caused. Throughout this time the weather service suggests toys, books and games that are recommended to be included in a survival kit.

There are many things recommended to be included in one's kit, but no two should be alike. Every person has different needs and each of them will experience different situations.

Sergeant Walston, who once found himself having to wrestle an unhappy 625-pound bear said, "In my kit, I have a knife, just in case I have to kill a raccoon or possum... for food."

Nevertheless, the important and all inclusive matter is, being prepared in the event of a natural disaster or inclement weather is a must.

Are you prepared?

For more information visit  www.nws.noaa.gov