Readiness center prepared for disasters

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  With the 2003 hurricane season in full swing, Air Force Personnel Center officials remind airmen that the Personnel Readiness Center here can assist them when natural disasters strike.

In the event airmen are evacuated or communications are impaired, the PRC acts as a central point of contact to pass on information from an installation's commander to his or her people -- even as people evacuate with their families and may be separated from their units.

The PRC coordinates an Air Force response to emergencies and natural disasters with 24-hour operations during crisis situations.

"Evacuated members are encouraged to contact us and provide their safe haven address, phone, etc.," said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Shortland, noncommissioned officer in charge of readiness operations here. "We are then able to give the members any update we have about their home station -- information such as hurricane conditions, evacuation status and instructions regarding their return to duty."

To aid the accountability, PRC workers create database files for all people assigned to an installation threatened by a natural disaster and update the data with the member's location, emergency number and other pertinent information when the airman calls the PRC.

In emergencies, airmen can reach the PRC toll free at (800) 435-9941, DSN 665-2020 or 665-3483 or commercial (210) 565-2020/3483. (Courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center News Service)