MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Due to the upcoming typhoon season, a seasonal tropical cyclone condition four has been instituted aboard the Station and will last until Nov. 30.
This tropical condition notifies residents of a possible tropical cyclone within 72 hours of the Station.
"The Station stays in TCCOR four because of Iwakuni's location in Japan," said Chief Warrant Officer David Fulton, Station weather officer. "Storms can develop at anytime and staying in this seasonal condition allows us to be better prepared if a storm does brew up."
According to recent studies, an average of 27.8 typhoons form each year, of which, 2.8 pass across Japanese land. As these typhoons approach Japan, typhoons tend to lose their strength due to the change from tropical to cooler waters.
Although these storms may weaken slightly before they hit land, typhoons are capable of causing large amounts of damage and should be taken serious.
Due to the potential of danger typhoons bring, the Station conducted its annual United States Forces Japan Typhoon Ready Exercise, which tests the base's destructive weather plan.
"Throughout the exercise we simulate a real typhoon and we go through all of the tropical cyclone conditions," said Fulton.
Fulton also stated since it was just an exercise, the rest of the Station was not affected in any of the events.
The role residents do play is to actively take certain precautions needed in order to safely maneuver any storms that might head this way.
Supplies such as three days worth of water (one gallon per person), nonperishable food supplies and can opener, sanitary supplies, battery operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, clothing and a first aid kit, all need to be stocked in homes.
"The homes aboard the Station are very-well built. If anything is going to cause any damage it will be loose objects outside flying into houses. People need to walk around their property and ensure anything that might be able to cause damage is secured," said Fulton. "Something as simple as a child's bicycle or a barbecue could be dangerous."
According to Richard Perry, Station safety officer and typhoon coordinator for the Station, residents need to be attentive to the conditions and act appropriately.
"Residents can tune into American Forces Network radio at AM 1575, AFN television channel 10 and the Station's weather channel six for updates on conditions and weather updates," said Perry.
Perry also stated residents should not cover-up anything outside because plastic wrap or tarps could get lodged in sewer drains if blown away from the home.