To provide feedback or for additional questions regarding the website or EEP, contact your units EEP Coordinator.
Q. How likely is an evacuation?
A. While possible for various reasons, the likelihood of an evacuation is extremely low.
Q. Who must evacuate? Who is eligible for a military assistance during an evacuation?
A. When directed, all DoD affiliated non-emergency essential civilian personnel, to include invited contractors and their Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) status family members, are eligible for evacuation. This includes all American Citizens, living or visiting in Japan and Department of State designated third country nationals.
Q. Who can I contact if I have additional questions? Is there an information hotline?
A. While there is not a hotline, each Department and Tenant Unit has its own representative to assist you in your preparation for the potential of an evacuation.
Q. Where should I keep my EEP Package? Does it get turned into the unit?
A. Keep the EEP Package in a safe location in your residence where it can be easily accessed. It will be turned into evacuation personnel after you arrive at the Evacuation Control Center.
Q. What if I can’t fill out my EEP Package or I forget to bring it during an evacuation?
A. Having a completed or partially completed EEP Package prior to an evacuation will aid in a smooth transition, however it will not prevent you from evacuating. Even bringing a blank copy of all the forms will be beneficial. There will be opportunities to complete the packet at the Evacuation Control Centers if necessary, as well as, extra copies of the forms.
Q. What happens to my children if I am a single parent/we are dual military/one of us is military and the other essential personnel and we are both required to remain in Japan during an evacuation?
A. A power of attorney should be filled out authorizing the children to be escorted by a legal guardian during an evacuation. You should also keep and updated Family Care Plan.
Q. Will my FRO or Unit Coordinator still be providing information during an evacuation?
A. While both Family Readiness Officers (FROs) and Unit Coordinators can provide basic guidance about the preparation and planning. Once the evacuation begins, the FRO will no longer be available since they are nonessential personnel; however Unit Coordinators will remain involved through the evacuation process. Updated information and guidance will be available through the approved media sources. Also, personnel will be stationed at the rallying points to answer questions.
Q. Can I bring my pets with me during and evacuation?
A. The U.S. Government will make every reasonable effort to evacuate pets, but please realize that the evacuation of people will always take priority over pets. Owners should register their pets at the Veterinary Office, as well as, prepare a suitable travel case, supply of pet food and three copies of pet vaccinations as part of the emergency readiness kit.
Q. Can I have a carry-on item in addition to my 66lb suitcase?
A. Yes, bear in mind that carry-on items will probably be limited. Consider general rules of carry-on items for an airline such as overhead storage or under the seat in front of you.
Q. What services will be available during an evacuation?
A. It is important to keep in mind that conveniences and services will be extremely limited and you must be able to rely on the supplies you have brought with you. Keeping in mind you may have to go up and down steps, walk through tight isles and wait in long lines. You are only allowed 66 pounds of luggage per person. The best rule to go by is only bring what you and your family members can carry or pull comfortably.
Q. What happens once I reach the safe haven?
A. You will arrive in a repatriation site where you will be processed through the same tracking system as in Iwakuni. There will be representatives to answer any further questions you may have. From there you will be transported to your final destination. Please keep in mind that this is normally your home of record. Certain locations such as Hawaii and cities outside of the U.S. will require special justification or proof of residency.
While you will receive a ticket to your final destination, you will be responsible for the cost of transporting your pet from the repatriation site to your final destination. Upon arriving at the repatriation site during an ordered evacuation, you and your family will be eligible for a safe haven allowance for 30 days to 6 months depending on the situation.
Q. Is my family entitled to any money to help the transition back to the United States?
A. While completely optional, DD form 1337 (military sponsor) or DD form 2461 (civilian sponsor) needs to be properly filled out to receive any advance on the service members pay or allowances. Circumstances will dictate if an advance is authorized. Please note that this amount will be taken out of future paychecks. Upon reaching the U.S., each evacuated family member, including children, will be entitled to a safe haven allowance for up to 30 days, which can be extended up to 6 months. This allowance is in addition to normal pay.
Q. Do I need to take the advanced pay?
A. It is optional, but will be taken out of the sponsor’s future pay. The safe haven allowance is not associated with the sponsor’s pay.
Q. What happens to my car, housing, and household goods if we are not allowed to return to Iwakuni?
A. If possible, household items will be recovered and shipped to you. DD Form 1701 Inventory of Household Goods (or a copy of the detailed list of household goods from your last PCS move) must be filled out completely in order to file a claim for lost/damaged or unrecoverable property if your goods cannot be recovered. It is recommended that you have photographs of the more valuable items to assist in reimbursement for lost items. Your EEO Package should include proper documentation for your vehicle(s). This includes titles, registrations, proofs of insurance and proofs of ownership. It is recommended to keep copies of these documents with your EEP Package in the event that you are unable to access your car prior to evacuating.
Q. Can my family depart Iwakuni before and ordered evacuation?
A. In response to specific threats, the U.S. Embassy may issue a travel warning and recommend that U.S. citizens limit travel to Japan. While a travel warning does not constitute an order to evacuate, U.S. civilian citizens may depart voluntarily at their own expense. The Commander in Chief United States Forces Japan may authorize command sponsored families to conduct an Early Return of Dependents. While an Early Return of Dependents is conducted at government expense, this is a one way trip, and the government will not return families to Japan during the remainder of the sponsor’s tour.
Q. I am overwhelmed by this information and/or the forms, what should I do?
A. Take a deep breath and relax. You’re FRO or Unit Coordinator can help in your planning and preparations prior to an evacuation. If you prepare now, you will have less to do or think about in the event of an evacuation.