EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Emergency Family Assistance Center here activates when a disaster or emergency affects a substantial number of base personnel.
The EFAC’s role is to help the Eglin community during the recovery phase of a disaster like a hurricane, or an emergency such as an active shooter incident.
The 96th Test Wing commander stands up the EFAC when necessary. It is staffed by Airman and Family Readiness Center personnel and other base support agencies.
Janice Barnes, Airman and Family Readiness Center flight chief, said the EFAC offers information to eligible patrons in areas such as: referral to support services, shelter locations, base services, financial assistance, situational counseling and practical needs.
Barnes said people often don’t know what to do after a catastrophic event impacts them, as the AFRC discovered after Hurricane Michael destroyed Tyndall Air Force Base in 2018. The center was inundated with displaced Eglin and Tyndall personnel, who needed assistance for months after the hurricane struck.
”In a hurricane, people can lose their homes and may need shelter, basic necessities and financial assistance,” she said. “The EFAC guides them to the help they need.”
Prior to each hurricane season, each EFAC agency representative and their leadership reviews all applicable regulations, plans, policies and procedures to ensure they provide patrons with the right assistance.
“I encourage the Eglin community to utilize the EFAC in an emergency or disaster,” Barnes said.
In a disaster or emergency, the EFAC’s primary location is the AFRC, Bldg. 205. The alternate location is the Youth Center, Bldg. 2582. For more information, call 882-9060.