Kwajalein Atoll Threats
Tropical Storms: Fortunately for Kwajalein, tropical cyclones are typically only in the developmental stage when they move through the Marshall Islands. This DOES NOT make the atoll safe from damage, however, as strong tropical storms have occurred.
 
Be aware of the Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness. Specific details will be disseminated to the community, but be prepared to secure any items that might get blown around during the storm. These items become projectiles and cause serious harm and damage.
 
Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR)
TCCOR 1 – Pending disaster or onset of destructive winds within 12 hours
TCCOR 2 – Pending disaster or onset of destructive winds within 24 hours
TCCOR 3 – Pending disaster or onset of destructive winds within 48 hours
TCCOR 4 – Pending disaster or onset of destructive winds within 72 hours
TCCOR 5 – No pending disaster or onset of destructive winds within 72 hours
 
Tsunami: Due to its location and geology, the risk for damaging tsunamis at Kwajalein Atoll is very low. The large majority of Kwajalein’s tsunami risk comes from earthquakes associated with trenches along the “Ring of Fire”, which is a region around much of the rim of the Pacific Ocean where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Damaging tsunamis from major volcanic eruptions along the Ring of Fire are rarer than those generated by earthquakes. Damaging tsunamis from meteor impacts or nearby underwater landslides are too low of a risk for consideration here.
 
Nonetheless, Kwajalein isn’t immune from a damaging tsunami. Results of model simulations from Ring of Fire earthquakes show that Kwajalein can expect a maximum tsunami wave between 0.7 and 1.3 feet every 100 years, and a maximum wave between 5 and 6 feet or so every 2,000 years.
 
The greatest risk for a destructive tsunami at Kwajalein comes primarily from the Kurils trench which runs from Hokkaido, Japan to the Kamchatka peninsula of Russia, and to a lesser extent, the Mariana trench. A tsunami wave of a few feet arriving near the time of high Spring tides while high swell was also present, could result in significant inundation at Kwajalein Atoll. 
 
Utility Outage: Loss of electricity, water pressure, fuel, telephones, and/or internet is highly likely. Therefore it important that you have your kit ready to use.
 
Terrorism: We are one of the only installations in the DoD to be at FPCON Alpha, which is the lowest conditions. Terrorism threat is very low. Don’t be complacent though. If you see something unusual, report it. Dial 911 for emergencies, or DSN 480-4445 (808-580-4445).
 
Read more about the Geographical Data, Climate & Weather, and historical emergencies that have occurred on USAG-KA
Notification and Emergency Actions
You should understand our local mass warning system(s) and, when notified, be prepared to evacuate, move to a shelter or designated safe haven or temporarily shelter-in-place.
 
Here at USAG-KA, the main offices that warn of natural hazards are through National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NWS and USGS notifications are received 24x7 through RTS Weather, DSN 480-3347 (808-580-3347).
 
RTS Weather uses the following terms for specific natural hazards:
 
Warning—A hazardous event is occurring or imminent. Take immediate protective action.
Watch—Conditions are favorable for a hazard to develop or move in. Stay alert.
 
USAG-KA Mass Warning Systems:
 
Alert!: The primary mass warning system, but given our community complexities, all individuals must follow these registrations directions in order to receive emergency and public information notifications.
 
Sirens: There are 7 siren poles located throughout the Island of Kwajalein and 1 siren pole located at Roi-Namur. If you hear a siren, take appropriate actions. If time permits, additional information will be posted on the Garrison Facebook page, roller, and local AFN channels.
Public Address: In the event the sirens don’t work or the need arise, the Fire Department and Police vehicles will canvas the housing and BQ areas using their vehicle mounted PA system. Please follow the directions given my the emergency responders.
 
Television: the AFN station has the ability to interrupt local channels and display emergency information. Tune into K-PIC, K-TV, or the TV Guide in the event they are used.
 
USAG-KA Facebook Page: Follow the official Facebook page to stay informed on what’s going on. If the Garrison Commander goes live, it will be from this page. https://www.facebook.com/USArmyKwajaleinAtoll/
 
Moving to Shelter: A shelter is a publicly identified, certified, supplied, staffed and insured mass care facility where endangered people can find temporary protection for a limited time. BQs are not supplied with Shelter Kits.
 
Kwajalein Shelters
Zone 1: High School (Building 361)
Zone 2: Using Housing Evacuation Plan OR Dental Clinic (Building 357)
Zone 3: Use Housing Evacuation Plan OR Dental Clinic (Building 357)
Zone 4: Reef BQ (Building 564)
Zone 5: Warehouse (Building 602)
Zone 6: Macy’s (Building 704) OR Religious Education Building (Building 671)
Zone 7: Dehumidified Warehouse (Building 993)
Zone 8: Weather Radar (Building 1135)
Zone 9: Range Command (Building 1010)
Zone 10: Weather Radar (Building 1135)
Zone 11: DCCB (Building 1500)
 
Kwajalein Housing Evacuation Plan:
ØZone 1: All Zone 1 residents are to report to the High School or a friend’s two story concrete house
ØZone 2: If your designated quarters are unavailable, go to the Dental Clinic (Zone 2 Shelter) or another’s two story concrete home.
ØZone 3: If your designated quarters are unavailable, go to the Dental Clinic (Zone 3 Shelter) or another’s two story concrete home.

Roi-Namur Shelters

Zone 1:
Zone 2: Air Terminal (Building 8035)

Moving to Safe Havens: These provides temporary protection during sudden incidents, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. All two-story buildings are considered safe havens. Most Shelters and BQ second and third floors are considered safe havens.

Sheltering-in-Place: In some instances, evacuating or moving to a shelter or safe haven is more dangerous than remaining where you are. When there is a short-notice or no-notice emergency such as a hazardous materials event, you may be directed to shelter-in-place, that is, take temporary protection in a structure or vehicle, typically your workplace or residence. It is important to know for different emergencies which part of a building is safest and how best to keep the air safe to breathe.

Reporting Your Accountability Status

At the earliest safe opportunity, check in with in with your supervisor or your HR. Given the unique blend of uniformed services, civilians and contractors, it is imperative that you follow your organizational policy for accountability. Accountability orders are given by your organization or by the Garrison Commander.

It is important to ensure that you and your Family are accounted for and receive help if you need it.

NEO Awareness

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) are conducted to assist the Department of State (DOS) in evacuating US citizens, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian personnel, and designated host nation (HN) and third country nationals (TCNs) whose lives are in danger from locations in a foreign nation to an appropriate safe haven. Although normally considered in connection with hostile action, evacuation may also be conducted in anticipation of, or in response to, any natural or man-made disaster.

Be prepared to participate in NEO by following the instructions provided. Remember, understanding NEO is one part of preparing your Family for emergencies. You should know the range of hazards that may affect you, appropriate actions to take before, during and after an emergency including shelter-in-place, and know the resources available to you

No matter where you are when an emergency strikes—

üLeave emergency response to the professionals. Do not put yourself in danger.
üEnable responders to focus on the most critical needs first.
üRemain flexible and cooperative. Stay alert for instructions.
üTake care of yourself and your Family; help neighbors and visitors if you can.
üEvery step you take to prepare yourself and your Family strengthens the community.
 
"Jekdon Wot ak Det, jemjera in aro ej non indreo.”
(Through rain or shine, we are in this together.)