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The 2010 Hurricane season is underway in the New Orleans area. Our NALO team is ready,
should an evacuation be necessary, to continue meeting operational demands. Can we say
the same for our families or ourselves as individuals?
The evacuation in 2008 taught us events can change quickly from day to day, and clear
communication is essential. After careful consideration and much planning, Captain Bowman
and his team have implemented guidelines for evacuation should the need arise. In addition,
this newsletter will provide a myriad of resources to help you make the best decisions for
your family’s disaster plan.
1. ALL personnel should update their information in the Navy Family Accountability
and Assessment System (NFAAS) https://www.NavyFamily.navy.mil Spouses also
have the ability to access and update.
NFAAS - standardizes the method for the Navy to account, assess, manage, and monitor
the recovery process for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a wide-
spread catastrophic event. NFAAS provides valuable information to all levels of the Navy
chain of command, allowing commanders to make strategic decisions which facilitate a
return to stability. It is important to update your current information BEFORE a disaster
strikes.
Don’t forget to include items and any special accommodations for your Exceptional
Family members. For additional assistance, please contact The Fleet and Family
Support center at 504-678-7569/2647.
Have a plan to secure your home. Consider that your home may endure flooding and
wind damage. Have important documents ready to go such as items to prove your
identity (Social Security Card, birth certificates, marriage certificates) and residence
and vital medical paperwork.
3. Be financially ready to evacuate. Ensure your finances are in order and that you have
emergency cash on hand. During an evacuation, ATMs will be in high demand; we may lose
power and not all business take credit cards. You will be required to use your own financial
resources, should you choose to leave early and until an official evacuation from the base is
ordered. Once this takes place, service members will be allowed to use their government
cards. Plan to cover expenses outside of your allotted per diem.
If the evacuation is extended, the CO will direct non-COOP service members in Safe
Haven to the COOP site. Any service member who cannot report to the COOP by
the date directed by the CO will be placed on leave until reporting.
Service members in Safe Haven areas will have already used their allotted travel
days and mileage. Mileage to the COOP site will not be reimbursed.
The CO will decide the length of stay based on mission needs and living conditions in
the New Orleans area. This can change daily. Updates will be available almost hourly
through the command Ombudsman.
6. Be prepared to travel home. Plan for the unexpected. Upon returning home after the
evacuation in 2008; some families dealt with power outages, mold in their home and difficulty
finding some food items and open gas stations. Remember that many families in the area
will need to replenish food and supplies at the same time. Others may have endured
damage to homes or suffered other significant losses. Expect stressed crowds, have
patience, and be flexible! As a NALO service or family member, you have a unique support
system through your chain of command and Ombudsman. Don’t be afraid to use them.