Base commander addresses hurricane concerns

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Evan Dertein
  • 96th Test Wing
I wanted to provide you a quick update on our current efforts and response concerning Hurricane Irma.  The most current forecasting models are largely in agreement that the hurricane is tracking further to the eastern side of Florida and likely will not have a direct impact on the Eglin area.  However, Irma's path could always change.  We will continue to monitor the latest available data on the hurricane and maintain contact with our community partners and other military organizations.  September is the peak of hurricane season, so there will likely be other storms forming in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic.

While we are not declaring an increased hurricane threat condition at Eglin at this time, I still want to encourage all of you to take this opportunity to review your own personal and unit preparedness checklists.   Please visit the Eglin website for the general hurricane preparedness briefing available online.  You'll also find information on hurricane conditions, weather updates and related links on our website.

Our Emergency Management team will conduct training classes on hurricane preparedness Thursday and Friday.  These training classes are informational and are NOT a specific preparatory effort for an imminent hurricane threat.  The classes will be available at the Enlisted Heritage Hall near the Base Exchange Sept. 7 at 8 and 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. and Sept. 8 at 8 and 10 a.m.  If you have not attended one of our preparation classes or are new to the area, I encourage you and/or your family members to attend while hurricane season is hot on everyone's mind.

We will continue to update you on any changes to hurricane conditions through your leadership chain, emergency alerts, website updates and our Facebook page. You can also download the Eglin AFB Mobile App available through iTunes or the Google Play store.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our nation.