JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – In preparation of expected high winds and significant rainfall in the next 96 hours, Col. Andrew Purath, 11th Wing commander, has officially declared Hurricane Condition 5 for Joint Base Andrews with tropical storm or hurricane conditions expected to affect the base within 96 hours.
Hurricane Florence is currently located in the Atlantic Ocean and is classified as a Category 4 storm. The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center calls for Florence to make landfall on the East Coast on Thursday, Sept. 13 near the North Carolina and Virginia border. The current track would result in winds of up to 45 miles per hour in the Joint Base Andrews area. Rainfall amounts could lead to flooding throughout the area.
Base officials recommend all personnel and residents begin to secure all loose items and equipment outside. Due to the expected significant rainfall, those who live in flood prone areas should have a plan for evacuation in case it becomes necessary. Those plans should include knowing evacuation routes, meeting locations, and relevant contact information. Additionally now is the time to start acquiring flashlights, radios, extra batteries for cellular phones and money along with water and non-perishable food should power be lost for an extended period of time.
For updates, JBA personnel and residents should remain in touch with their chain of command, follow Joint Base Andrews on Facebook and Twitter, regularly check https://www.jba.af.mil, and call in to the Straight Talk Line at 301-981-5995.
JBA residents are encouraged to review FEMA's hurricane prep guide online: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1494007144395-b0e215ae1ba6ac1b556f084e190e5862/FEMA_2017_Hurricane_HTP_FINAL.pdf
Additional helpful information can be found at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency pages linked below:
Flood-prone areas: https://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/floodProneZones.aspx
Preparing for a hurricane: https://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/resources-hurricane.aspx#beforetips
Disaster supply kit ideas: https://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/DisasterSupplyKit.aspx