Marine Corps News Room

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Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 20051019121417
Story by Cpl. Justin Lago

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Oct. 13, 2005) -- Marine Corps Base Quantico is subject to tropical storms through autumn, and preparedness is the key to staying safe through hurricanes such as Isabel which made landfall in September 2003 just south of Cape Hatteras, N.C., and greatly effected the Quantico area.

The eastern seaboard and inland areas are subject to the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms until the end of hurricane season in November. These storms may affect Quantico if the storms that experts are predicting are produced. Their research shows October is likely to be another bad month for storms with an above-average chance that another hurricane will make landfall.

Colorado State University researchers are projecting another intense period of hurricane activity.

"This year is already the most destructive hurricane season on record,” said CSU hurricane researcher William Gray. “We expect that by the time the 2005 hurricane season is over, we will witness seasonal tropical cyclone activity at or very near record levels."

Gray's team is predicting three storms for this month, two low-class hurricanes under Category 3 and one major hurricane. The team has calculated that October will have nearly twice the usual tropical storm activity. The greater activity results from increases in North Atlantic sea-surface temperatures.

With the hurricane season in effect until November, Quantico’s location is still subject to damage from potential storms that reach further into the north on the eastern seaboard, according to CSU research information.

“I believe that preparedness is the most important action we can all take in our daily lives,” said Carol M. Shelton, Antiterrorism/Force Protection Officer. It helps us through small and large scale events both at the family, community, and national level.”

Shelton is involved in all matters pertaining to AT/FP, Emergency Operations Center operations, operational security, and disaster preparedness/mitigation.

Some safety and prevention tips that can be followed to better prepare the Quantico population in the event of a hurricane.

-Fasten exterior items securely to your home to prevent them from becoming flying debris.
-Use Caulk or install weather stripping on house windows to prevent wind and rain from entering.
-Install impact resistant shutters or have pre-cut boards to cover windows and doors.
-Base residents should, stock up on items such as water, battery flashlights, non-perishable foods, and a radio.