Airmen attend a sheltering management training session Oct. 28, 2012, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Fitness center personnel who will be working at the shelter were taught what to expect during Hurricane Sandy. (U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Kathryn Stilwell)
by Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell
436th Airflift Wing Public Affairs
10/29/2012 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- With the threat of a hurricane looming on the horizon, Dover Airmen take a moment to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management team utilized its time before the storm to organize a place for natural disaster sheltering. Sheltering will take place at the base fitness center which will start accepting service members and their families by 11 p.m. Oct. 28, 2012.
"Sheltering is going to help maintain accountability of personnel," said Airman 1st Class Joseph Davis, emergency management journeyman with the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Some people are not going to be able to go out and [spring] for a hotel room, so this is a place they can go and stay safe from the storm."
According to the State of Delaware News, it is recommended to bring along a few specific items when sheltering such as:
· Bedding
· Special needs foods, snacks
· Important documents
· Personal hygiene items
· Medications
· Clothes
· Games, books and toys to occupy children
· Cell phone and charger
Davis also highlights that special care should be taken with the young and the elderly. Infants will need bottles, formulas, diapers and wipes while the elderly may require prescription medication or oxygen. There are also medical needs shelters set up by the State of Delaware at off-base locations to accommodate those who may require special care.
Pets will be allowed inside the shelter as well, granted they are contained by either kennels or cages. When pets are brought to the shelter, the following should be included with them:
· Medical records, vaccination history and medications
· Veterinarian phone number
· Documentation of any behavior problems
· Alternate contact information
· First aid kit
· Leashes, collars or harnesses, and muzzle (if necessary) with identification tags
· Pet carrier
· Food and water bowls, litter pan for cats
· Food and water for at least seven days, can opener
· Toys and a blanket
"The main message for anything like this is to have a plan and build a kit, so you're not going out at the last minute. If you already have a kit that you keep refreshed, then you don't have to worry about it and you can just sit at home," said Davis.
The shelter at the base fitness center is scheduled to open at 11 p.m.
