EXERCISE - EXERCISE - EXERCISE - MANDATORY HURRICANE EVACUATION Published Aug. 23, 2010 By 082410 EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Because of the threat of Hurricane Erlinda, an order has been issued for mandatory evacuation of all non-mission critical personnel on Eglin Air Force Base. The order was issued by the 96th ABW commander and is effective Aug. 24. This is a limited evacuation which authorizes members to evacuate no closer than 100 miles or further than 550 miles from Eglin. Base shelters will be open for pre-identified rideout crews and critical personnel only. All others MUST evacuate by 8 p.m. The commissary and base exchange will close at noon. The Child Development Center will close at 6:30 p.m. Hurricane Erlinda is now a category 4 storm. Strong winds are expected to hit the area. This is a very dangerous storm and all base residents must leave the area. Pack sufficient clothing, bedding, medical supplies and enough food and water to sustain your family for at least three days. Make sure your car's gas tank is full. Automatic teller machines and electronic banking systems may be downed by the storm, so take enough money to last several days. A shelter is available at Warner-Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Do not bring pets. If you must bring pets, be prepared to board them at a kennel in the refuge city. For more information people should stay in contact with their supervisors. If communication at the base has been rendered inoperable, base employees and residents may dial 1-800-435-9941 at Randolph or log on to www.eglin.af.mil. Stay tuned to your radio and television for additional updates or www.eglin.af.mil.