Emergency Assistance

The American Red Cross provides social welfare services to needy military personnel and their families. They assist with emergency communications, financial assistance, and help with humanitarian reassignment and hardship. ARC can be a great resource for obtaining the necessary paperwork in the event of a death in the family and if you are requesting emergency leave. The NW Washington Chapter's local office is located on the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Seaplane Base and can be reached at 425-641-2995. You can reach the national ARC office toll-free at 800-733-2767. You can also request assistance online at Red Cross, Services for Military & Veteran Families.

While traveling remember to carry important medical documents, prescriptions, personal records to include your PCS orders, and important telephone numbers so that you can contact your sponsor and your next duty station in case an emergency arises. Update your Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System that you are en route.

The internet hosts a number of great sites that will help you and your family become informed and prepared for an inevitable disaster such as www.ready.gov and www.ready.navy.mil. However, the Fleet and Family Support Center specializes in knowing and discovering all resources available in the local surrounding area to meet the unique needs of the Navy family. No matter what the issue or concern is, call 360-257-6289 or 360-257-2271 and we will do our best to find the resources you need. The FFSC is located on Ault Field (the main base) in the Nor'wester, Building 2556.

FFSC also sponsors seminars each year to educate and provide resources for families as they prepare for man-made and natural disasters. During these events you may have the opportunity to meet with and ask questions to first responders and emergency managers, acquire training for emergency response, and learn information about building disaster preparedness kits. Contact FFSC for more information.

Washington State has 2-1-1 Access. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number to connect you with important community services or volunteer opportunity.

To get emergency information and special events in the area, visit these sites:

• https://www.facebook.com/WhidbeyFFR/
• https://whidbey.navylifepnw.com
• https://whidbey.navylifepnw.com/magazine

Skagit County has a very active Salvation Army Center, which provides financial assistance to families in need and much more. For more information, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, 360-293-6682, or visit Anacortes, Salvation Army.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or other service equivalent (Air Force Aid Society, Army Emergency Relief, etc.) can provide interest-free loans or grants to help with emergency needs such as emergency transportation, medical/dental bills, food, rent/mortgage, utilities, disaster relief assistance, child care expenses, car-related expenses, etc. and Quick Assist Loans (up to $1000) to eligible clients. The NMCRS is located on the Seaplane Base in Building 13, 360-257-2728. Please visit NMCRS website for more information.

Often times, despite good planning, the unexpected does happen. Before your transition to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, visit READY.NAVY.mil for valuable information on being prepared before you start your journey. The Emergency Management Office strongly suggests you have basic emergency supplies with you at all times while in transit (water, food, medicine, pet food, etc. for all family members). If a disaster does happen, it is best to get to the nearest military installation for help. If you are not near a military installation and/or your emergency occurs after hours, you can contact the Commander, Navy Region Northwest Regional Operations Center which is manned 24/7 at 360-315-5122/23, or the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System Emergency Center at 877-414-5358, or My Navy Career Center (MNCC) at 833-330-6622. Military One Source can also provide you with valuable resources at 800-342-9647.

NAS Whidbey Island's Emergency Management Department is dedicated to coordinating emergency efforts and providing community support and preparedness information. If you would like more information on the base's emergency management program, please call 360-257-1080.

The NAS Whidbey Island Public Affairs Office posts pre-recorded messages on the base hotline. Call 360-257-1080 to get information on accessing the base during inclement weather or in the event of a disaster.

The Fleet and Family Support Center and the NAS Whidbey Island Quarterdeck have "READY NAVY" information brochures including wallet emergency information card, family plan checklists, basic emergency kit contents list, how to prepare kids and pets, what financial records to safeguard and much more. Please stop by either location to pick up this important information.