Hurricane season approaches

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs

Hurricane preparedness briefings were held at the enlisted hall here May 21-22.

Representatives from base agencies gave attendees preparedness information and guidance before and after a hurricane or other catastrophic events.

Master Sgt. Tristan Carden, 96th Weather Squadron, led off with hurricane monitoring and preparation.

During hurricane events, the squadron sends daily updates to base leadership, who makes changes to hurricane conditions and implements evacuation procedures accordingly.

Carden showed pictures of damage to the base by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and by Hurricane Michael, which flattened Tyndall Air Force Base in October.  He explained various hurricane-related terms, including tropical activities, hurricane conditions, categories and climatology, and storm surge.

“Don’t confuse hurricane timing with hurricane strength,” Carden said as he walked through the hurricane conditions.  “If we’re in Hurcon Three, it doesn’t mean we’re going to have a Category Three storm.  Hurcon Three just means we’re 48 hours out from when the National Weather Center predicts a hurricane will make landfall.” 

He encouraged the attendees to have a kit and an evacuation plan in place ahead of time

In addition to elaborating on hurricane kits and plans, Staff Sgt. Sophia Borghese, 96th Civil Engineer Group, addressed base evacuations.

Borghese said a mandatory evacuation happens prior to Hurcon Three, when a hurricane is predicted to be within 48 hours of making landfall.  Military personnel are placed in a temporary duty assignment status, with paid travel and per diem.  Civilian personnel are placed on administrative leave and can receive paid travel and per diem if authorized.    

Military and civilian personnel who evacuate voluntary must be in a leave status.  Paid travel and per diem are not authorized in voluntary leave status.

Senior Airman Kyle Kruger, 96th Comptroller Squadron, further explained when authorized entitlements, mileage rates, lodging and per diem rates, evacuation orders and travel vouchers.

Kruger recommended calling 882-1114 for more information.

Elizabeth Dietrich, 96th Force Support Squadron, covered guidance for civilian employees on administrative dismissal and the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System. 

Michael Wright, 96th Medical Group, said active duty service members assigned here have to receive care here.  Their TRICARE claims will not be paid if they receive care anywhere else, unless they have a referral in the system.

Wright said TRICARE members can call Humana at (877) 444-5445 for evacuation care; the Nurse Advice Line at (800) 874-2273 or visit humanamilitary.com   For dental issues, members can call United Concordia at (866) 984-2337.  

He also recommended ensuring all prescriptions are filled prior to an evacuation.

Capt. Taracina Bintliff, 96th Test Wing Legal Office, addressed filing claims following a hazardous event.

“Air Force military members and civilian employees can file hurricane-related claims here,” she said.

Bintliff said service members from other branches must contact their respective service branch’s claims office.

Claimants have two years to file their claims, she said.  She noted the longer a claimant waits, the more difficult it can be to verify damages.

“Include a list of all of your household goods with the important documents in your kit,” she said.  “Document all damages after a hurricane as soon as possible.”

She also discussed ensuring a will, power of attorney, living will, any advance medical directives and all other legal affairs are in order.

Master Sgt. Julie Lince, Airman and Family Readiness Center, talked about the Emergency Family Assistance Center and the AFPAAS system.

The EFAC consists of base agency representatives who provide families and individuals with disaster relief assistance and contingency services.

The Air Force uses the AFPAAS system to account, assess, manage, and monitor the short and long-term recovery process for personnel and their families affected by a catastrophic event.

“In an event such as a hurricane, personnel can use AFPAAS to request assistance,” Lince said.  “Then, they’re assigned a case manager from the A&FRC, who will provide assistance and monitor their case.”

For more information, visit Eglin’s hurricane information page.