Hurricane season, which runs June 1 to Nov. 30, is underway. Ingalls prepares and plans throughout the year in order to ensure shipbuilders, facilities and ships are protected.
The heavy weather team recently met to discuss those plans in detail, ensuring a seamless response in the event the Gulf Coast is threatened by tropical activity.
Ingalls’ heavy weather plan is implemented long before the coastline is threatened, with every storm being carefully monitored and evaluated from the time it forms. At the heart of that plan, first and foremost, is making sure every shipbuilder is safe before, during and after any storm activity. That includes having resources and contingencies lined up ahead of time to support shipbuilders in times of crises.
Also critical in Ingalls’ heavy weather plan is the protection of facilities, equipment and ships both under construction and completed. If the shipyard is in the projected path of the storm, ships under construction are secured to protect against predicted conditions, including tidal surge and wind impact. All openings, scuttles and hatches are closed, as well, and excess material, barges and scaffolding around the ship are removed.
While many shipbuilders do not report to work in advance of an approaching hurricane, there is a select group that does stay behind in the event of a storm. A team of around 100 storm riders remain in the shipyard to ensure ships are taken care of and manned, and that dewatering pumps are available across all vessels in the water. An additional small group is also on hand to immediately help with cleanup after the storm, making sure the shipyard is safe before shipbuilders return to work.
In addition to these dedicated shipbuilders, teams from multiple departments work together to help shipbuilders with everything from food to issuing paychecks.
With more than 11,000 shipbuilders who reside from Florida to Louisiana, a direct impact may not affect Ingalls facilities but still impact shipbuilders living across the Gulf Coast. That’s why it’s important for all shipbuilders to get connected now before there is a storm threat.
For important updates, download the IngallsConnect App and subscribe to text alerts by sending 123-INGALLS to 38671. Shipbuilders can also call the Employee Info Line at 1-877-871-2058 for updates on closures and other important information, as well as to report your status after a severe weather event.
For the most up-to-date information on the 2023 hurricane season, visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website by clicking here.