Sheppard Severe Weather Response Exercise

First responders practice treating casualties at the scene of a simulated tornado during a Severe Weather Response Exercise March 21 at Sheppard. The exercise in conjunction with preparation tips provided by the Sheppard Emergency Management Office ensure base personnel are prepared to respond to a tornado. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Webb)

Sheppard Severe Weather Response Exercise

Sheppard Air Force Base personnel take action in the aftermath of a simulated tornado during a Severe Weather Response Exercise March 21. To prepare for tornado season, the Sheppard Emergency Management Office provides important weather information to base personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Webb)

Surviving Sheppard's tornado season

Published March 27, 2012
By Capt. Brittany Martin
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- North Texas is well into tornado season, and the Sheppard Air Force Base Emergency Management Office is prepared to keep base personnel informed during a weather emergency.

Norman Yeingst, Sheppard emergency management coordinator, said the traditional tornado season spans March to June, but weather in the area can be unpredictable.

"The last two years, we have had watches in November," Yeingst said. "They can develop at any time."

The Sheppard Emergency Management Office coordinates with the base weather shop for weather information and then recommends information to be disseminated to the 82nd Mission Support Group commander.

Yeingst said that weather warnings can be expected via local television and radio stations, Sheppard's giant voice and Wichita Falls notification systems. Having a radio to track weather updates is recommended.

Additionally, Public Affairs ensures the Sheppard Air Force Base Facebook page is kept up to date with the most current information.

"Social media allows us to more effectively reach out to base personnel during crisis situations," said George Woodward, Sheppard public affairs director. "We have received positive reviews on the use of Facebook during previous weather incidents."

Severe weather response exercises are conducted on base, but Yeingst encouraged all personnel to have a plan, regardless of location. The Federal Emergency Management Agency outlines actions for each possible location - a building, a mobile home, outside with no shelter, a car in a congested area, a car in an open area.

"Have a plan. Exercise it. Make sure your family knows what and how to react to a tornado," Yeingst said.

Yeingst recommended planning a place to meet in case the family is separated during a tornado. He also recommended considering that communications may be overloaded and unusable during a weather emergency.

After a storm has cleared, danger remains. According to FEMA, almost one-third of tornado-related injuries are from stepping on nails during the storm aftermath.

For more information on actions before, during and after a tornado, visit www.ready.gov/tornadoes.