Base Officials Caution Residents of Hurricane Condition 1

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Mississippi, Sept. 4 -- The U.S. Air Force (81st Training Wing) issued the following news:

The 81st Training Wing Commander has directed the base to enter Hurricane Condition 1 status due to the approach of Tropical Storm Gordon.

Tropical Storm Gordon is expected to make landfall at Gulfport, Miss., tonight around 8 p.m. All Keesler personnel have been notified to leave work no later than 2 p.m. today to prepare for the storm.

After the storm passes tomorrow, Sept. 5, base personnel are directed to return to base under the following phased approach:

Phase 1: Emergency managers and mission essential personnel will return at 7 a.m.

Phase 2: Squadron commanders and facility managers will return at 9 a.m.

Phase 3: All remaining personnel will return to work at 11 a.m.

All times are subject to change based on assessments made by recovery personnel. All base personnel should monitor the Keesler base app and official social media for the latest information and updates.

HURCON 1 is initiated if the base is 12 hours out from forecasted 50 knot winds. Preparation actions are listed below.

During HURCON 1, personnel should listen to the latest weather bulletins and follow instructions from squadron or unit commanders.

Base service closures:

-Commissary: Closing at 4 p.m.

-Exchange: Closing at 4 p.m.

-Express: Closing at 5 p.m.

-Fast Food: Final meals served at 3 p.m.

-Dining Facilities: Final meals served at noon, closed at 1 p.m., will reopen for lunch Sept. 5.

-Lodging: Will remain open for check-in/check-out.

-CDC/Youth Center: Closed at 2 p.m. All Children must be picked up by this time. The CDC/Youth Center will reopen at normal time tomorrow, Sept. 5, pending road closures and storm damage.

-All other customer service functions may not be available after 11 a.m. tomorrow. Please plan accordingly.

Keesler Medical Center:

-Outpatient medical appointments scheduled for 2 p.m. or later will be cancelled and rescheduled for a later date and time.

-Main/satellite pharmacies, laboratory and radiology will close at 3 p.m.

-Emergency services will remain available.

Personnel living on and off base housing should:

-Brief family members on their responsibilities. Review actions to take if evacuation is necessary.

-Download the Keesler Air Force Base official app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to be notified of the latest updates related to weather, flooding and evacuation.

-Like the Keesler Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/keeslerafb), follow Keesler Twitter page (https://twitter.com/keeslerafb), and bookmark the Keesler main webpage (www.keesler.af.mil) to get the latest weather info.

-Contact the Straight Talk info line (228) 377-3901 for the latest weather updates.

-Contact the Air Force Personnel Command 24-hour "Hot Line" 1-800-435-9941 for additional information on base activities.

-If you live on base you can tune your TV to channel 14 to see the Commander's Access Channel to see weather updates as well.

-Keep your radio and television on for information on the status of the storm.

-Check food supply and determine what can be eaten without cooking.

-Stock the following items and have them easily accessible:

1. Flashlight, extra batteries, candles/lighter, camp lantern fuel.

2. Transistor radio, extra batteries.

3. Special prescribed medicines and food, baby food, pet food, etc.

4. Make sure to have a 30-day supply of medications for and women who are 37 weeks or more pregnant should go to women's health to pick up a copy of their records.

5. First aid kit, insecticides, insect repellents, disinfectants, water purification tablets and snake bite kits.

6. Fire extinguisher, two to three buckets of sand.

7. Tool kit and hardware.

8. Mops, rags, buckets.

-As much as possible, ensure mobile homes are securely tied down.

-Secure objects in open areas that could be torn loose or blown away. Such as trashcans, swings, etc.

-Boat protection: Store small boats in enclosed shelter. If stored outdoors, remove any loose gear and securely tie down boats.