In the event of a Category I or II hurricane, the Naval Air Station Key West Commanding Officer may order evacuation to local shelters. However, the order to shelter may be limited depending upon storm strength, direction, and predicted effects of the storm surge. For example, residents on Truman Annex may be ordered to shelter during a Category I hurricane, while Sigsbee Park and Trumbo Point residents may not be ordered to shelter until a Category II storm is expected. The following information outlines the operation, procedures and rules concerning the local hurricane shelters located on board NAS Key West.
 

Shelter Operations
Certain buildings on board NAS Key West have been identified as having the engineering criteria and structural integrity to provide safe shelter in the event of a Category I or II hurricane. Each department and tenant command assigned to NAS Key West will appoint a Shelter Officer at the beginning of each hurricane season. The Shelter Officers will be at designated shelters and will be responsible for the preparation of the shelter during each Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR), and the operation of the shelter during a sheltering event.

The NAS Key West Hurricane Shelter/Evacuation Officer and Shelter Officers shall coordinate with the Security Department to ensure that shelter check-in is accomplished in an orderly and safe manner.

Shelter Procedures
When personnel are ordered to shelter they shall first secure their homes. This should include securing both the interior and exterior of the home. Property should be moved away from windows and exterior walls, and outdoor furniture, trash cans etc. should be stowed and secured.

Personnel should pack clothing, food, water and hurricane emergency kits (including flashlights and batteries) to take with them to the shelter.

Personnel with pets should arrange to board their pets with kennels, if possible. Otherwise, they should bring their pets, in their cage/kennel, with them when they report to the shelter. Pets are not allowed in the hurricane shelters nor are they allowed to remain in base housing during a sheltering event. However, caged pets can be stored in the designated pet shelter during the hurricane.

Personnel shall check-in with the Shelter Officer immediately upon entering the shelter. The Shelter Officers are the Commanding Officer’s representatives and their orders shall be followed. No one is allowed to leave the shelter for any reason without the permission of the Shelter Officer.

Upon checking in with the Shelter Officer, each person will be assigned a room. Personnel need to note that due to the limited number of hurricane shelters, there may be more than one family assigned to a room.

Any personnel needing ground transportation to the local shelters should contact the Security Department.

Shelter Rules

1. Absolutely no pets allowed in the shelters. All pets should be caged/kenneled and taken to the designated pet shelter.
2. Absolutely no alcohol allowed in the shelters.
3. Absolutely no firearms, ammunitions, or explosives permitted in the shelters.
4. Absolutely no cooking devices or flammable liquids.
5. Smoking is prohibited in the shelters.
6. All personnel must register immediately upon entering the shelter and cooperate with all orders of the Shelter Officer and other personnel operating the shelter.
7. Sheltering personnel are responsible for bringing their own food and supplies. Each person must provide their own food, water, blankets, sheets, pillows, and toiletries; enough for three days. One gallon of water per person per day, and non-perishable canned food that does not require cooking is recommended. Bring items such as ready-to-eat meats, fruits, vegetables, canned juices, high-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix and other snack foods. Special dietary concerns should be addressed including baby food or formula. A manual can opener and eating and drinking utensils including paper plates is highly recommended.
8. Sheltering personnel should bring any required medications with them to the shelter.
9. Sheltering personnel shall bring their own disposable diapers for babies, and are encouraged to bring small toys, games, and books for amusement of children.
10. Sheltering personnel are not to remove any items (i.e., TVs, furniture) from the shelters.
11. Sheltering personnel should take a bath and eat before leaving home.
12. Military personnel entering the shelters are in a duty status, and shall conduct themselves appropriately.
13. All personnel shall be held strictly accountable for the conduct of their families.
14. The shelter shall be cleaned before it is vacated. Working parties will be assigned from the rosters of military personnel.
15. No one shall leave the hurricane shelter without the permission of the Shelter Officer.