Welcome to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. This guide provides basic emergency actions for personnel who work, visit, or live onboard the installation. In any situation not covered by this guide, personnel should exercise prudent judgment and take all necessary steps to save lives and protect property. For emergencies dial 911 from any phone and provide your location. The following information applies to all personnel aboard NASWI.
Mass Notification. The primary methods for mass notification aboard NASWI are the Giant Voice (GV) outdoor speaker system and the Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN). Giant Voice will be obvious; however, it is not well heard indoors. If you hear a GV announcement, share it with others. Or, if the message cannot be heard or understood, call the Emergency Operations Center at 257-3337. The WAAN system has several ways to send emergency information to you. First is by Computer Desktop Notification which places a notification box on your NMCI computer screen when you are online. Second is the telephone notification system which will call all phone numbers that you register in the WAAN software provided by AtHoc Inc. All Navy personnel are required to register their work phone and work email in the AtHoc software. This is done by accessing the “Purple Globe” icon in the lower right hand icon tray while logged in to your NMCI account. Select “Access Self Service”; update “My Info”; then add contact information at the “Devices” tab. Additionally, the NASIW Public Affairs staff will post critical information on the “NAS Whidbey Island” Facebook page and Twitter account. If you use these social media outlets, we recommend you Like and Follow to receive important information:
https://twitter.com/NASWhidbeyIslan
www.facebook.com/NASwhidbeyIsland
Emergency Preparedness. Although NASWI enjoys a temperate climate, severe weather, to include heavy rain, high winds, ice storms and heavy snowfall, has occurred. Western Washington is also in a seismically active zone; earthquakes can strike without warning. True preparedness for any type of disaster or emergency starts with the family and there are several things you and your family can and should do to prepare for these potential threats that can turn into emergencies.
Start at home. Know where and how to shut-off the power and gas to your home. Have flashlights, battery-powered radios, non-perishable food, and bottled water for all family members for at least 7 days. Build a small emergency kit for each of your vehicles including a first aid kit, rain gear, proper walking shoes, water, food, etc. Next, be prepared at work. Have a minimal emergency kit at your office in case you aren’t able to leave for an extended period. Have a formal plan with your family with details of who will do what if disaster strikes while you are separated; include a muster-point away from your home. If you leave the island, be prepared for disaster while away. Think, “what’s in my trunk and is it sufficient for me and my family if something bad happens?” For more information go online to:
www.ready.navy.mil
Make sure your property is financially covered. Check home owners/renters insurance and ensure they are up to date. If thinking about purchasing flood insurance go to:
https://www.floodsmart.gov
Know alternative routes to work, home, stores, hotels, etc. Remember to never drive through running flood water. And, if you cannot confirm the depth of standing water, do not drive through it.
It is recommended with the highest possible endorsement that all hands get the free app “Island Ready” from Island County Emergency Management. It has a plethora of information and local resources available in the event of an actual emergency. Further, it has an outstanding emergency preparedness planning tool for everyone to use. It simply cannot be overstated how important having this at your disposal during an emergency.
Force Protection Condition (FPCON). When an increase in FPCON occurs, access to/from the base may be restricted. If you (or your family) are caught in the inevitable backup at the gate, we strongly recommend you disperse and call the base information line at 360-257-1080 for details before attempting to access the base again. An increase in FPCON status may result in an order to execute our Mission Essential Personnel (MEP) plan where non-essential personnel may be released to your residence. Visitors, vendors, and most contractor personnel are not usually designated mission essential personnel (MEP) and must follow base egress procedures as directed. Monitor the base info line or official base social media sites for accurate information on base status.
Shelter-In-Place. Shelter-in-place (SIP) is a unique and rapid way to secure your work spaces from two specific threats: an airborne hazard or an active shooter. A shelter-in-place order will be announced using all means possible (GV, WAAN, social media, etc.). The announcement will explain why SIP is required. If for an airborne hazard, close and lock all external doors and windows, move to the center of the bldg., attempt to turn off all air circulation systems, and wait for an “all clear” to be announced. If SIP is ordered for an active shooter event, the terms “active shooter” and “lockdown, lockdown, lockdown” will accompany the announcement. Seek shelter immediately, lock all windows and doors, and be prepared to use the FBI’s “Run, Hide Fight” guidance. Again, wait for the “all clear” announcement. Initial and follow on instructions will be provided by the EOC and/or first responders.
Earthquake. If outdoors during an earthquake, move quickly away from any buildings, utility poles and structures. Avoid power or utility lines as they may be energized. If driving, stop in an open area away from structures, power lines and trees as soon and safely as possible. If you are indoors, Drop, Cover and Hold On. Take cover under the nearest sturdy object such as a desk or table. Hold onto the object as it may move during the earthquake. Secure natural gas/utilities as soon as it is safe to do so. Be prepared for aftershocks. As NASWI is located close to open water, it is best to assume a tsunami will follow any significant earthquake. If a local tsunami is generated, move inland to higher ground or up in a multi-story building. Call 911 to report damage, injury or other emergency situation.
Fire. Personnel should familiarize themselves with the location of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, safety equipment and all emergency exits. Call 911 to report fire or smoke. Muster in a designated area away from the hazard. Know your facilities Emergency Action Plan and evacuation procedures.
HAZMAT Spill/ Leak. Leave the area immediately and go to a designated muster site or other safe location upwind and far from the spill. From a safe location, call 911. Take note of and report HAZMAT or other materials entering waterways, storm drains or being emitted into the atmosphere. Report any access and functional needs requirements for personnel with special needs to first responders. Muster with your immediate supervisor or sponsor as soon as possible. Stay calm and wait for instructions from first responders.
Destructive Weather. NASWI will communicate any warnings or advisories to base personnel via the WAAN, GV, social media and any other available means necessary. All hands are expected to exercise common sense, good judgment and apply all safety protocols while working outdoors, operating equipment or while driving motor vehicles, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Medical Emergency. Call 911 as soon as possible and identify your location. Personnel in the immediate area should be prepared to render first aid as necessary. If faced with a possible heart attack victim be prepared to perform CPR and/or use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available using instruction with the AED.
Hospital Information. Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) has does not have an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If you or a family member are in need of emergency or urgent medical care and are self-transporting, go directly to Whidbey General Hospital; 101 N. Main St. Coupeville WA, (360) 678-5151. Do not report to NHOH.
Active Shooter/Act of Terror. Follow the FBI and DHS “Run, Hide, Fight” guidance. Always be aware of your environment. Take note of the nearest exits in any facility you visit. Barring any order to “lockdown”, you should only attempt to evacuate when safe to do so.
Remain in place if you are unable to evacuate. If you are in a hallway, get into the nearest room. Make the room look unoccupied by locking doors and turning off lights. Close all windows, blinds and curtains. Turn off ringers on all phones or other sound producing devices. If the door has a vision panel, cover it. Move to an area that is out of sight and remain silent. Use large furniture to barricade doors/windows.
If you are in an open area of the base, go to the nearest shelter or take cover behind/under a hardened object.
As a last resort, take committed action against the shooter. If the shooter is close and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you incapacitate or disorient the shooter using any means possible.
Follow First Responder commands exactly. Do not expect them to help you, do not run towards them, keep your hands visible at all times, and follow their instructions.
Unattended Bag/Package/Equipment. Whether you are a visitor or stationed at NASWI, it is imperative that baggage, packages or equipment not be left unattended. Unattended items invite suspicion and may require dispatching of security personnel and other resources. Personnel discovering unattended bags should attempt to locate the owner and if found, explain to them to never leave a bag or package unattended. If the owner cannot be located, call 911 and give as many specifics about the scene and/or persons involved. If you witness suspicious activity, exercise caution, gather details, coordinate with available supervisors and if warranted call 911. In general, “If you see something, Say something” by calling 911.
Loss of Power/Utilities. For loss of power/utilities or other maintenance related problems contact the building manager or call Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) trouble desk at (360) 257-3358.
Evacuation. If a hazard or threat situation warrants, the base Commanding Officer may order an evacuation of some buildings, a geographic zone, or the entire installation. The purpose of an evacuation is to orderly lead base occupants out of buildings or other locations to either a safe location on base or off the installation as required. When an evacuation is ordered NASWI Security will control vehicle and pedestrian traffic. All personnel will follow the instructions of Security Forces. Evacuation procedures are coordinated by the NASWI EOC as directed by the base commanding officer.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergencies / Regional Dispatch Center - 911
Base Info Hotline – (360) 257-1080
Command Duty Officer – (360) 914-7862
NASWI Quarterdeck – (360) 257-2631
Naval Hospital Oak Harbor – (360) 257-9500
Fleet and Family Services – (360) 257-3012
Emergency Management Officer – (360) 257-2287
Public Affairs Officer – (360) 257-2286
Area Hospital Emergency Rooms.
Whidbey General (Coupeville) – (360) 678-5551
Island Hospital (Anacortes) – (360) 299-1300
Skagit Valley (Mt. Vernon) – (360) 428-4111