Severe Weather Response Exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class J. Zuriel Lee
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airmen at Altus AFB participated in a basewide severe weather response exercise March 12, 2014.
 
The exercise began with sheltering in place, where Airmen exercised locating designated shelters to stay until the simulated storm passed. Each squadron has a determined location that the Airmen will go to be safe and accounted for.

Another portion of the exercise focused on the 97th Medical Group's reaction to their building being damaged by a tornado.

During the exercise, simulated heavy winds sent debris through the chiller units and blew in doors in the rear of the medical treatment facility, damaging the mechanical and generator mechanical rooms. Utility poles across the street were blown down, one of which fell into the clinic generator room.

For safety purposes, the medical group relocated to the Freedom Community Center to treat the injured during the natural disaster.

The 97th set up inside the FCC to keep order throughout the simulated event. Patients were checked-in and seen by a medical technician to discover ailments, then treated and, if needed, prescribed medications.

The exercise involved different patient scenarios to ensure that everyone is prepared in the event of a natural disaster.

Families are encouraged to have a safety plan in case of severe weather. For more information on preparing a plan and building an emergency kit, visit http://www.ready.gov.