Force Protection Condition Levels
Force Protection Condition, or FPCON, is a Department of Defense approved system standardizing DoD’s identification of and recommended preventive actions and responses to terrorist threats against U.S. personnel and facilities.
The system is the principal means for a commander to apply an operational decision on how to protect against terrorism, and it facilitates coordination among DoD components and support for antiterrorism activities. This system is defensive in nature but proactive enough to give the commander the flexibility to protect the DoD elements, personnel resources and interests.
The FPCON level is set by each major command and applied to its theater of operations. The installation commander may raise the installation FPCON level if they deem there is a credible threat. When an FPCON level is set, certain force protection measures are implemented. Once the threat is over, the FPCON level is returned to the baseline. This system is designed to help the commander deter, detect, delay, deny and defend the installation they have jurisdiction over.
FPCON Normal: General global threat of possible terrorist threat activity exists and warrants a routine security posture (deter).
FPCON Alpha: Increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of the threat are unpredictable (detect).
FPCON Bravo: Increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists (delay).
FPCON Charlie: Incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely (deny).
FPCON Delta: Immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent (defend).
In accordance with Force Protection Directive 25-001, Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island maintains a baseline status of FPCON Bravo with additional U.S. Northern Command AOR-specific supplemental and command-directed measures, including 100% identification checks. Public access to the facility is limited. Visitors are required to check-in at the pass and identification building adjacent to the main gate. For additional information, contact the facility emergency manager or public affairs officer.
Tropical Cyclone Condition Levels
Tropical Cyclone Condition, or TCC, is a Department of Defense approved system standardizing DoD’s identification of and recommended preventive actions and responses to terrorist threats against U.S. personnel and facilities.
TCC I: A specific destructive weather system with sustained winds of 50 knots or greater is forecast to affect the area within 12 hours. Caution is announced when specific destructive weather system with sustained winds of 50 knots or greater is forecast to affect the area within 6 hours. Emergency is when the area is currently experiencing a specific weather system with sustained winds of 50 knots or greater. During recovery, the system has passed the area, but safety and storm hazards remain. All orders, restrictions and guidance remain in effect. The emergency management structure is supporting the speedy return to normal operations by eliminating safety concerns, re-establishing services, utilities, the transportation system, clearing debris and performing essential repairs.
TCC II: A specific destructive weather system with sustained winds of 50 knots or greater is forecast to affect the area within 24 hours. Full activation of the installation emergency operations center.
TCC III: A specific destructive weather system with sustained winds of 50 knots or greater is forecast to affect the area within 48 hours. Partial activation, as required, of the installation emergency operations center.
TCC IV: A specific destructive weather system with sustained winds of 50 knots or greater is forecast to affect the area within 72 hours. Partial activation, as required, of the installation emergency operations center.
TCC V: The potential for the occurrence of destructive weather is elevated but no specific system threatens the area. It indicates that destructive weather readiness steps are in progress, or that a specific storm occurring outside of the hurricane season is forecast to affect the area within 96 hours.
Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island, and all tenant commands, set TCC IV on June 1, the beginning of the hurricane season. The preparations checklist outlined in Command Order 3440.1, chapter 3, set the actions everyone must complete at the beginning of the hurricane season. The facility will remain in TCC IV through Nov. 30.
Atlantic Hurricane Season 2025: Florida communities are bracing for an active Atlantic hurricane season, following NOAA's National Weather Service forecast for 2025. NOAA predicts a 60% chance of above-normal activity, 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-5 major hurricanes. Factors influencing the forecast include continued ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer-than-average ocean temperatures, weak wind shear and potential for higher activity from the West African monsoon. Now is the time to take proactive steps to make a plan and gather supplies.
Health Protection Condition Levels
The DoD has protocol for public health emergencies, and they’re known as health protection conditions, or HPCONs. Military leaders and public health personnel use them to guide actions taken in response to a health threat.
HPCON Routine (0): Maintain your everyday actions to stop the spread of germs.
HPCON Alpha: Limited health alert.
HPCON Bravo: Experiencing an increase in community transmissions.
HPCON Charlie: Experiencing sustained community transmission.
HPCON Delta: Experiencing severe, widespread community transmission.
Emergency Management & Mission Assurance
The Blount Island emergency management program is committed to safeguarding lives, minimizing suffering and protecting property. We oversee all facility emergency initiatives, ensuring we're ready to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from any hazard. Here's how we stand ready:
Proactive Planning: We develop and implement strategic plans and procedures to optimize our mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.
Comprehensive Training: Our risk-based, multi-hazard emergency management program ensures we're equipped to handle any scenario, with continuous training to stay at the top of our game.
Collaborative Coordination: We work hand-in-hand with federal, state and local resources to bolster our mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery operations, ensuring a united front against any challenge.
With Blount Island Command's Emergency Management Program, you can rest assured that we're always prepared, always vigilant and always here to protect what matters most. Stay safe with us.
For more information, contact John Roberts, Blount Island Command interim emergency manager, at john.roberts@usmc.mil or 904-696-3877.
Hurricane Terminology, Categories
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the peak period from mid-August to late October. Hurricanes evolve from powerful tropical cyclones, which are low-pressure systems originating in the tropics, often bringing intense thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes upon landfall. These storms can cause significant damage through strong winds and high floodwaters from heavy rain and storm surges. Hurricanes are categorized by wind speeds, with Category 1 recording up to 95 mph, Category 2 reaching up to 110 mph (extremely dangerous and causing extensive damage), and Categories 3 (up to 129 mph), 4 (up to 156 mph), and 5 (exceeding 157 mph) considered major hurricanes. Categories 4 and 5 can result in catastrophic damage, even to well-built homes. It's essential for everyone in Florida to allocate time for preparation to avoid rushed decisions and ensure effective planning, including practicing drills and building emergency kits, which can be assembled over time through regular shopping routines and using items already available at home. For tips on building a basic kit, visit Ready.Marines.mil. To check for cyclones, visit NHC.NOAA.gov.
Hot Weather in Jax
The hot season in Florida generally runs from late May to mid-October. The average temperature in Jacksonville is warmest during the summer months of June, July, and August, with average highs around 87- to 89-degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season also starts in Jacksonville during the summer months, with an average of 9-10 rainy days per month. Whenever it's hot and humid, it's important to take frequent water breaks and drink fluids even before feeling thirsty. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, weakness, nausea and elevated body temperature. If experiencing these symptoms, rest in a cool area, consume an electrolyte beverage and avoid carbonated or caffeinated drinks. Heat stroke, characterized by confusion, fainting, seizures and hot, dry skin, requires immediate medical attention; call 911. For more tips on preparing for winter weather in Jacksonville, visit JAXReady.com/Preparedness/Plan-For-Emergencies/Extreme-Heat.
Cold Weather in Jax
The cold season in Florida is typically December to February. Although Jacksonville is located in Florida, the city can still experience treacherous winter weather, bringing with it extreme cold, dense fog and even ice and snow storms. Residents should be aware of the dangers associated with these conditions, including hazardous roads, cold-related illnesses, fires and power outages. To stay informed, the National Weather Service issues various advisories and warnings, including frost advisories, freeze watches and warnings, and hard freeze watches and warnings, which signal temperatures below 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chill advisories and warnings are also issued when wind chill values fall below 25, with sustained winds. To stay safe during extreme cold, residents are advised to stay indoors, wear warm clothing and check on vulnerable neighbors. Pet owners should also bring their animals inside, providing shelter and water, as prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be life-threatening. Additionally, drivers are reminded to consider whether honking their horns or tapping their hoods before starting their cars may avoid harming a stray animal seeking warmth. For more tips on preparing for winter weather in Jacksonville, visit JAXReady.com/Preparedness/Hazards/Winter-Weather.