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AFPAAS provides accountability in disaster situation

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  When Hurricane Katrina hit, many Americans were displaced from their homes. The aftermath of the disaster indicated the need for a highly effective accountability plan. To prepare for future crisis situations, the Air Force adapted a program from the Navy.

The Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System is an accountability program for Airmen, Department of Defense civilians and their families who have become displaced in the event of a man-made or natural disaster.

AFPAAS maintains an Air Force database of personnel and provides a tool to report current status and location, update emergency contact information and request assistance.

"In the event someone gets displaced, it is important to log on to the AFPAAS website at afpaas.af.mil or call (866) 435-9941 to update your location status," said Mrs. Sandi Williams, Whiteman Airmen and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant and AFPAAS representative.

According to Mrs. Williams, those registered through the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System already have their information stored, but are encouraged to log on and ensure information is kept current because a disaster can occur at anytime.

"In the real life disaster scenario, registered users will take a survey and according to circumstances will be assigned a case manager to help assist," Mrs. Williams said. "From there we make an assessment of the situation and contact the individual and assist with their needs. At that time, the case managers will remain in contact until all needs are met or they return to their home base."

According to Mrs. Williams, the program not only keeps servicemembers safe, but also their families if affected.

"AFPAAS helps in the cases when dependents have to evacuate a location and a military member has to stay behind to support the mission," she said. "This way, the servicemember knows their family member will be taken care of."

If affected by a disaster or crisis call (866) 435-9941. AFPAAS phone lines are manned 24/7 and numbers are toll free. For more information about AFPAAS call (660) 687-7132. A Common Access Card is not required for updates on the AFPAAS website.