Hurricane Season 2011 style is upon us. Tropical Storm Arlene was named late last night. It is not expected to enter US coastline, but hit the Mexican Gulf Coast. Most of you have been called at least once, and some quite a few times, to track your safety during earlier exercises.

Follow up:

This is a critical part of personnel accountability to insure that all Coast Guard personnel, (active duty, reserve, Auxiliary and civilian)are safe before and after a storm. Update your contact numbers immediately. The 2011 season is expected to be more severe than normal due to increased water temperatures and a reduced El Nino effect. However, it really only takes one! Prepare Now Take this opportunity to prepare your Family Emergency Plan if you have not already done so. Make arrangements for communicating with each other should storms knock out power and/or telephones. Pick a location to meet and get the family together. Select a family member or friend in a distant location that can act as your communication link.

Each member can call there and let them know your status. Frequently, phones may not be able to call within their area, but they can get out. If you need to use someone else’s phone, you may only get one chance. A distant friend is more likely to have a clear phone line. Make sure you have at least one gallon of water per day for each member of your family and friends that might stay with you in a storm. Storm food supplies that need no heating and have a long shelf life. Don’t forget batteries and a radio. Move loose items indoors and make arrangements now for pets should you need to leave your home. Remember their food and medications too, just like your own.

If you need help, ask your fellow members. The Division is there to assist with coordination and to bring extra members to help anywhere we need. Unit Commanders Remain vigilant in preparing your unit and personnel for storms. Review your plans and insure that all preparations for current Storm Condition have already been met. If not, hurry that work to completion. A Bulletin will be issued if we move to a igher Storm Condition. If so, again review your plan and begin the new Storm Condition activities. Our number one priority is to protect our members. Work together to make sure all of our members will be safe. Check on any members that have limited mobility and assign them someone to assist them if needed. Check all facilities and make sure they are prepared for a storm. Check any flotilla buildings. Should you need any assistance or something is discovered that needs extra attention, do not hesitate to call on your leadership to mobilize additional resources. We are a family. Let’s stick together and make sure everyone is safe and prepared.