The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) hosted an Emergency Preparedness Event for NAS Whidbey Island Sailors and their families, Sept. 3, at the Nor’Wester Activity Center.

The event featured information to assist in educating personnel on what they need should a disaster occur in their area. Subject matter experts were on hand to answer any questions attendees may have had about developing an emergency kit, family, home, and pet preparedness, and causes of emergencies.

“A lot of families don’t realize they need to be self-sustained for at least 72 hours after an emergency happens and Operation Prepare is trying to help with that,” said Kathleen Johnson, a work and family life consultant with FFSC. “We’re all here together as one unit to help make emergency preparedness quick and easy. All the components are here to tell you how to get ready.”

A major concern specific to Whidbey Island is frequent power outages caused by winds that can last for extended periods of time.

“In regards to weather, the most severe thing that we need to be worried about are the strong Pacific storms that come in here with 60-knot winds, gusting to 80-knots,” said Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Brett Dubovecky, of Naval Oceanographic Antisubmarine Warfare Detachment. “That’s going to knock out power and who knows how long it will take to get it back up and running. Unfortunately, another system can come in right behind it packing the same wind continuing to cause more damage or even intense rains and flash flooding.”

With power outages being such a concern, Linda Anderson, a Puget Sound Energy advisor, provided tips for what you should do to help them help you and how to stay safe.

“When an outage happens we recommend for the customers to call it in, just making sure the power is being restored in a reasonable amount of time,” said Anderson. “People should be knowledgeable in how to use other energy sources properly. One thing that’s very common during outages is carbon monoxide poisoning from not having proper ventilation while using coal, a generator, kerosene, or other sources; proper ventilation is the key.”

As the only non-military affiliated entity represented at the event, Anderson was impressed with the concern shown by NAS Whidbey Island to ensure the safety of its service members and their families.

“I’ve never been to an event like this. It’s really exciting to see how involved the Navy is in helping it’s families be safe; it’s really refreshing to see,” said Anderson.