MacDill AFB  Base Essentials

If you have an emergency contact the MacDill Military and Family Readiness Center at 813-828-0145, Option 1 for guidance and possible emergency financial assistance. If you have a Red Cross verified emergency which requires you to take emergency leave, and you do not have the financial means to do so, the Air Force Aid Society/Army Emergency Relief/Navy/Marine Corp Relief Societies provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families for airfare, POV travel expenses, etc., on a case-by-case basis.

The Relief Societies can also provide emergency financial assistance for other expenses based upon need.

Categories of financial assistance include:

• Basic living expenses (food, shelter, utilities)
• Medical expenses not covered by TRICARE
• Dental expenses not covered by dental insurance
• Funeral expenses
• Emergency transportation
• Essential car repairs
• Pay and allotment problems

The American Red Cross can also help in times of emergency. Quick communications with home about family emergencies is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including verification of death or serious illness of immediate family, birth announcements to fathers deployed overseas, and health and welfare reports resulting from a lack of communication over a long period of time. The American Red Cross is always available for emergency assistance, 1-877-272-7337.

Ensure you have the phone numbers for your Commander, CSS, your sponsor, and lodging in your contacts on your cell phone. These numbers can be invaluable in case of an emergency while in transit.

Ensure you have paper or electronic versions of your important documents with you (orders, passports, LES, bills, etc.).

The Military and Family Readiness Center can provide you with on-base and local area information. For questions, contact the 813-828-0145, Option 1.

The Salvation Army is another good source of information and assistance in an emergency. Contact the local telephone directory for the local for contact information.

Planning for your Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is critical. The more you know the easier it will be and the better prepared you are to deal with the unexpected. This is especially important while you and your family are traveling across country or around the world. Emergencies can happen even with the best of planning, and usually at the most inopportune time.