An immense, powerful storm, Hurricane Irma was predicted to bring damaging winds, heavy rains and flooding to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers’ (FLETC) training facilities in the southeastern United States from Sunday, September 10, through Monday, September 11, 2017. As they did during Hurricane Matthew last October, FLETC officials prepared by enacting emergency action plans and coordinating with local emergency management agencies.
Beginning Wednesday, September 6, 2017, FLETC officials began advising partner organization staff and students
of FLETC protective actions for the oncoming storm. On Friday, September 8, 2017, more than 500 students from FLETC Glynco evacuated to a pre-planned inland site in central Georgia, along with 146 staff and family members. Students at FLETC Charleston sheltered in place.
FLETC Glynco was also used as a staging center for first responders following the departure of the storm in support of hurricane recovery efforts for all of southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida. Georgia Power established a base camp for operation on site for approximately 500 workers. In addition, more than 200 Georgia National Guardsmen with the 179th Military Police and 177th Engineer Battalion stayed at the Glynco training site.
Once the storm passed, FLETC Re-entry and Hurricane Operations Watch Center team members quickly went to work to evaluate damage and begin recovery efforts. FLETC Charleston began limited training on Thursday, September 14, 2017. FLETC Glynco is scheduled to begin training on Monday, September 25, 2017. FLETC leadership is currently developing a strategy to re-schedule interrupted or cancelled training, and is prioritizing and coordinating reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts where necessary.
Hurricane season does not end until November 30, 2017, so it is important for individuals to ensure they have taken the appropriate steps to be prepared. There have been hurricanes outside of the regular season.
There have been a number of serious disasters this year in addition to Hurricane Irma, including floods, wildfires, earthquakes and tornadoes. When an emergency strikes, knowing what to do before, during and after can make all the difference.
September is National Preparedness Month. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s site, Ready.gov, has information on how to be more prepared for all types of disasters. The site includes steps on assembling an emergency supply kit, how to make an emergency plan for you and your family, and how to prepare your home for potential hazards.