The 1st Special Operations Wing Commander has directed a targeted evacuation for residents of all Hurlburt Field privatized military housing and FAMCamp, effective no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, according to a release from the base.
- Approximately 1,000 residents are affected by the order, which the base said was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
The evacuation is driven strictly by localized infrastructure constraints and not by structural safety concerns, according to the release.
Why housing is being evacuated
Storm surge is not expected to reach or damage physical housing structures at this time, the base said. However, rising water levels are projected to inundate a utility lift station located on the Soundside of the base.
“This inundation would interrupt essential wastewater, sewage and potable water services that support all privatized installation housing,” the release states.
The base said the order does not extend beyond housing and FAMCamp.
“This is a targeted decision based on the unique utility infrastructure supporting base housing and does not indicate a broader evacuation requirement for the installation or surrounding county,” the release states.
Reimbursement for evacuees
Eligible personnel and their dependents are authorized reimbursement for evacuation mileage, lodging and per diem, according to the release.
The authorization applies to safe-haven locations up to 500 miles from the local area and situated north of U.S. Highway 98.
Hurlburt Field leadership will continue to coordinate closely with local civilian authorities and will provide updates through official communication channels as conditions change, according to the release.