An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Hurricane evacuation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Carissa Lee
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AFB, Fla. --  Last weekend's visit from Tropical Storm Claudette was a short one to the Florida Panhandle, with no major damage reported to Tyndall AFB or the communities outside the base.

Strong winds and rain hit the area, but it could have been much, much worse. Had things gone in a different direction and evacuations orders were given, Tyndall personnel and their families would possibly have been affected. But just when do people evacuate? And what happens to people who live off base?

First off, if the installation commander issues an evacuation order, it applies to everyone on Tyndall AFB. An evacuation order is a lawful order and must be followed; military members who violate the evacuation order are subject to discipline under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In addition, civilian spouses and children who live on base fall under the evacuation order issued by the commander. Base housing areas fall under the authority of the commander, who is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of all personnel assigned to Tyndall, including family members.

If Bay County orders an evacuation, but Tyndall doesn't, military members are ultimately required to follow the orders issued through their chain of command. That being said, it would be highly unlikely the base would not evacuate if certain parts of Bay County did, as base authorities work closely with their community counterparts. The bottom line is, military members are required to follow the orders of their commander.

Civilian personnel who reside off base are not required to evacuate when the base does, however if the commander authorizes civilian personnel to evacuate they are entitled to limited reimbursement for expenses incurred during the evacuation.

Military members are authorized to use their government travel card if ordered to evacuate by the commander. Only expenses related to the evacuation will be authorized. People can choose their evacuation locations, but typically, they must fall within a 350 mile radius of Tyndall. All personnel are required to have a hurricane evacuation plan on file at all times.

Once safely away from the storm, military members are required to notify their supervisors of their location and that of their families. If people cannot reach their supervisor, the Hurricane Support Staff line is a second option. The number is (877) 325-EVAC.

All personnel are required to monitor radio, television and the internet for reports of recovery information. The 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs staff will post return information as soon as the commander deems it safe to return to the base. For more information, visit the Hurricane/Weather Information link on Tyndall's web page, www.tyndall.af.mil.