MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Station Weather Office recently conducted typhoon readiness exercises to prepare for actual typhoons that may or may not hit Iwakuni.
The typhoon season in Japan runs from June 1 until Nov. 30.
"Typhoons can be very destructive and disruptive to missions and operations within the military," said Staff Sgt. Rolland Brail, Weather Office weather forecaster. "In Iwakuni, most of the typhoons historically haven't been too bad, but we need to be ready."
Representatives from Station shop's have attended meetings throughout the year to educate them on how to react in the event of a typhoon and to understand what the different warning levels of typhoons mean, according to Cpl. John Yachanech, Weather office weather technician.
Beginning July 1, the Station will assume Typhoon Condition of Readiness IV, or T COR IV.
"That means a typhoon of 50 knots or greater is actually possible of hitting within 72 hours," said Yachanech.
According to Brail, the remaining conditions are:
T COR III - Destructive winds are expected within 48 hours. All lightweight gear that could become dangerous when propelled by strong winds should be stored. Residents should also fill their cars' tanks with gasoline.
T COR Modified II - Destructive winds of 49 knots or less are expected within 24 hours.
T COR II - Destructive winds expected within 24 hours. Off-station residents will be instructed to move to designated shelters aboard base. All station alcohol sales will be stopped.
T COR Modified I - Destructive winds of 49 knots or less are expected within 12 hours.
T COR I - Destructive winds expected within 12 hours. Matthew C. Perry schools, the Child Development Center, the airfield and preschool will close.
T COR IE (Emergency) - Destructive winds are expected within two hours. Bathtubs and coolers should be filled with water; blinds and drapes should be closed to minimize any flying glass should windows break. It is not necessary to tape windows. All station residents shall remain in shelters/quarters unless authorized to be outside. All gates and mess halls will be closed and the shuttle service will be discontinued.
T COR IR (Recovery) - Danger has passed. The air station will be assessed for hazards. Residents are required to remain in shelter/quarters until further notice.
All clear - Damages to the station are assessed, hazards removed and residents may be out and about. Upon receipt of "All Clear" message, the station will return to T COR IV.
According to Brial, warnings and safety information will be broadcast on AFN radio (AM 1575) and AFN TV (Channels 11 and 66).
Additionally, Brail says that every family should maintain an emergency kit with the following items:
A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day), food that won't spoil and a can opener.
One change of clothing and footwear per person, and one sleeping blanket or sleeping bag per person.
A first aid kit that includes a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or travelers checks.
Sanitary supplies
Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
An extra pair of eyeglasses
Individuals should also keep important documents in a water proof containers.
"The old saying 'an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure' truly applies to typhoon scenarios," said Yachanech. "You've got to be prepared."