Typhoon & Flood Risk Safety
Typhoon & Flood Risk Safety
The Korean monsoon and typhoon season (typically June through September) brings heavy rainfall and a real risk of flash flooding to Camp Humphreys and K16. This page provides essential safety guidelines for service members, civilians, and families.
Immediate Emergency Actions
Flooding can happen rapidly and without warning, especially at night. If you encounter floodwaters, follow these critical rules to protect yourself and your family:
Turn Around, Don't Drown! Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
Beware of Moving Water: Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet. One foot of moving water is enough to float and sweep a vehicle away.
Avoid Bridges: Stay off bridges situated over fast-moving water, as the structural integrity may be compromised and they can be washed away without warning.
What to Do Depending on the Situation
Your response should adapt to your immediate surroundings. Review the table below for specific safety actions:
| Situation | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Under Official Evacuation Orders | Evacuate immediately if told to do so by authorities. Always follow the instructions of first responders. Never drive around barricades, as they are placed to safely direct traffic away from danger. |
| Caught Outdoors | Find safe shelter right away. Move to higher ground immediately. Avoid low-lying areas, drainage canals, and streams. |
| Trapped in a Building | Move to a higher floor or the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic, as you could become trapped by rising water. Only go to the roof if absolutely necessary, and once there, signal for help. |
| Trapped in a Vehicle | If your vehicle becomes trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water begins rising inside the car, move to the roof of the vehicle immediately. |
Known High-Water Vulnerable Areas
While flooding can occur anywhere during a severe storm or typhoon, certain areas on Camp Humphreys are historically prone to rapid water accumulation. Please exercise extreme caution near:
| Location Type | Specific Areas at USAG Humphreys |
|---|---|
| Roadways | Perimeter Road and Freedom Road. |
| Landmarks | The front side of Beacon Hill and Soldier's Field. |
| General Areas | Designated water crossings, low-lying terrain, and areas near the perimeter fence. |
Post-Storm Hazards
The danger does not immediately end when the rain stops. Be aware of these secondary hazards in the local area:
| Hazard | Safety Protocol |
|---|---|
| Electrocution | Electrocution is a leading cause of flood-related injuries. Electrical current travels through water. Stay completely away from downed power lines and report them immediately. |
| Displaced Debris & Explosives | Heavy rains can wash debris—and in remote off-post areas across the peninsula, potentially live ordnance or landmines—into unmarked areas. Never explore flood debris piles. |
| Mudslides | Saturated soil on hillsides can suddenly give way. Avoid steep slopes during and immediately after heavy rains. |
Emergency Contact Information
We highly recommend saving these numbers in your mobile device before an emergency occurs.
| Location | Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Korea-Wide | Emergency (Medical/Fire/Police) | 1551-0911 |
| Off-Post (South Korea) | Host Nation Fire/Medical | 119 |
| Off-Post (South Korea) | Host Nation Police | 112 |
Power Outage & Blackout Procedures
Power Outage & Blackout Procedures
Power outages can be disruptive, but being prepared can make a significant difference. This guide provides essential information for the Camp Humphreys community to safely navigate a power outage.
Before a Blackout: Be Prepared
Proactive preparation is key to ensuring your safety and comfort during a power outage.
- Build an Emergency Kit: Every household should have a well-stocked emergency kit. Key items include:
- Water (one gallon per person, per day for several days)
- Non-perishable food for several days
- Flashlights with extra batteries (avoid using candles as they are a fire hazard)
- First-aid kit
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Portable chargers or power banks for mobile devices
- Any necessary medications and medical supplies
- Know Your Contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers in a safe, accessible place.
- Family Plan: Discuss a plan with your family. Decide on a meeting place if you get separated and how you will communicate.
- Charge Devices: Keep cell phones and other electronic devices fully charged as a general practice.
During a Blackout: Stay Safe
If the power goes out, follow these steps to ensure your safety.
- Stay Calm and Assess: Remain calm. Check to see if your neighbors have power. If they do, the issue may be with your building's circuit breaker.
- Report the Outage: Report the outage to the Directorate of Public Works (DPW). This helps them identify and resolve the issue faster.
- DPW Emergency Desk: For on-post housing and facilities, call DSN 756-6068. After-hours emergencies are transferred to the Garrison Operations Desk.
- Unplug Electronics: Disconnect appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Use Flashlights: Use flashlights for light instead of candles to prevent fire hazards.
- Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A closed refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.
- Stay Informed: Monitor official channels for updates on the outage and restoration times.
- Official USAG Humphreys Facebook Page: Follow for real-time updates.
- My ARMY Post App: Enable push notifications for alerts.
- AFN Radio: Tune in for broadcast announcements.
After Power is Restored
Once power is back, take these precautions:
- Wait Before Plugging In: Wait a few minutes before plugging in and turning on appliances to avoid damage from any initial power fluctuations.
- Check Food: Check refrigerated and frozen food for spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Reset Devices: Reset any clocks, timers, and alarms on your electronic devices.
- Report Lingering Issues: If you continue to have power issues after service has been restored to your area, contact the DPW again.
Important Contacts
Keep these numbers handy. To call a DSN number from a cell phone, dial 0503-3XX-XXXX (replacing the last 6 digits of the DSN).
Service | On-Post DSN | From Cell Phone |
Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical) | 911 | 1551-0911 |
DPW Service/Work Orders | 756-6068 | 0503-356-6068 |
Military Police (Non-Emergency) | 755-9917 | 0503-355-9917 |
Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital | 737-1411 | 0503-337-1411 |
Garrison Operations Center (24/7) | 755-2270 / 2271 | 0503-355-2270 / 2271 |
Extreme Winter Weather
