thedrifter
06-20-07, 05:16 AM
June 20, 2007 - 12:00AM
Heat raises a black flag at Lejeune
CHRISSY VICK
DAILY NEWS STAFF
The extreme heat can be dangerous for Marines who train daily aboard Camp Lejeune.
That's why a black flag was issued aboard the base for all Marine units around 10 a.m. Tuesday, which indicates that the temperature is 90 degrees and above, and all nonessential physical activity aboard the base should be halted for all units.
Camp Lejeune spokesman 2nd Lt. Craig Thomas said the black flag status allows all commands aboard the base to be aware of how extreme heat can affect the Marines and sailors during training.
"The Marine Corps goes to great lengths to educate our Marines on all the pitfalls of training outside, whether it's cold weather, hot weather, being hydrated - all those factors are important," he said. "We have to make sure the Marine has the knowledge to recognize heat stress or hypothermia because we train year round."
But they may be back out in the field for at least the next two days: Accuweather forecasts indicate highs in the mid-80s today and Thursday, while Friday and Saturday will be bumping 90 degrees.
Marines are given regular cold and hot weather safety training, while commands are aware of the Automated Heat Stress System, a new system for heat stress information that can be accessed online.
The information is updated daily as the temperature changes. The wet-bulb globe temperature index was formerly calculated manually aboard the base but is now done using a heat stress monitor that uses sensors, according to the Camp Lejeune Web site.
All Marines and sailors can access the AHSS, which designates five colors of flags according to the temperature throughout the day.
A blue flag indicates a wet-bulb globe temperature index below 80 degrees, when all activity is permitted.
A green flag falls between 80 and 84.9 degrees and advises that heavy exercises, for those who are not acclimatized, be conducted with caution and under constant supervision.
A yellow flag falls between 85 and 87.9 degrees and advises that strenuous exercises, such as marching at standard cadence, be avoided for troops in their first 3 weeks who are not acclimated and to avoid outdoor classes in the sun.
A red flag falls between 88 and 89.9 degrees and advises that all physical training be avoided for troops who have not become thoroughly acclimatized by at least 12 weeks. Troops who are acclimated may carry on limited activity not to exceed 6 hours per day.
A black flag is any temperature 90 degrees and above and advises that all nonessential physical activity be halted for all units.
To access the AHSS, visit the Web site clion.lejeune.usmc.mil.
Contact staff writer Chrissy Vick at cvick@freedomenc.com or by calling 353-1171, ext. 8466.
Ellie
Heat raises a black flag at Lejeune
CHRISSY VICK
DAILY NEWS STAFF
The extreme heat can be dangerous for Marines who train daily aboard Camp Lejeune.
That's why a black flag was issued aboard the base for all Marine units around 10 a.m. Tuesday, which indicates that the temperature is 90 degrees and above, and all nonessential physical activity aboard the base should be halted for all units.
Camp Lejeune spokesman 2nd Lt. Craig Thomas said the black flag status allows all commands aboard the base to be aware of how extreme heat can affect the Marines and sailors during training.
"The Marine Corps goes to great lengths to educate our Marines on all the pitfalls of training outside, whether it's cold weather, hot weather, being hydrated - all those factors are important," he said. "We have to make sure the Marine has the knowledge to recognize heat stress or hypothermia because we train year round."
But they may be back out in the field for at least the next two days: Accuweather forecasts indicate highs in the mid-80s today and Thursday, while Friday and Saturday will be bumping 90 degrees.
Marines are given regular cold and hot weather safety training, while commands are aware of the Automated Heat Stress System, a new system for heat stress information that can be accessed online.
The information is updated daily as the temperature changes. The wet-bulb globe temperature index was formerly calculated manually aboard the base but is now done using a heat stress monitor that uses sensors, according to the Camp Lejeune Web site.
All Marines and sailors can access the AHSS, which designates five colors of flags according to the temperature throughout the day.
A blue flag indicates a wet-bulb globe temperature index below 80 degrees, when all activity is permitted.
A green flag falls between 80 and 84.9 degrees and advises that heavy exercises, for those who are not acclimatized, be conducted with caution and under constant supervision.
A yellow flag falls between 85 and 87.9 degrees and advises that strenuous exercises, such as marching at standard cadence, be avoided for troops in their first 3 weeks who are not acclimated and to avoid outdoor classes in the sun.
A red flag falls between 88 and 89.9 degrees and advises that all physical training be avoided for troops who have not become thoroughly acclimatized by at least 12 weeks. Troops who are acclimated may carry on limited activity not to exceed 6 hours per day.
A black flag is any temperature 90 degrees and above and advises that all nonessential physical activity be halted for all units.
To access the AHSS, visit the Web site clion.lejeune.usmc.mil.
Contact staff writer Chrissy Vick at cvick@freedomenc.com or by calling 353-1171, ext. 8466.
Ellie