INTRODUCTION. In light of recent world events, evacuation preparedness is vital in order to ensure the continued safety of American citizens residing in Okinawa, Japan. American citizens could be evacuated if the situation dictates. This is an overview of the Okinawa Area Emergency Evacuation Plan, which is in place to remove you and your family from danger quickly and effectively.
WHAT IS THE OAEEP? The Okinawa Area Emergency Evacuation Plan is used to quickly and efficiently evacuate the island of Okinawa during emergencies that endanger the lives of U.S. citizens.
WHO MUST EVACUATE? U.S. military and civilian employee family members, non-emergency essential U.S. civilian employees, and Department of Defense (DoD) invited contractors and their families are eligible for evacuation and can be ordered to evacuate.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN EVACUATION? There are six Evacuation Conditions under the Okinawa Plan, (See figure below).
- EVAC-N: [Normal] Plan, educate and train. U.S. citizens are encouraged to update emergency information with their command as well as prepare an Evacuation Information Packet (EIP) and emergency readiness kit. Both can be found linked at the top of this page.
- EVAC-4: [Alert, Recall, Prepare] Evacuees are notified of an evacuation order and should prepare to move to a rallying point while essential personnel are recalled.
- EVAC-3: [Assemble, Register, Move to ECC] Depending on location of residence, evacuees will be directed to one of the designated rallying points where they will be shuttled to an Evacuation Control Center (ECC) and registered in a computer tracking system. After processing at the ECC, evacuees are transported to a Reception/Departure Processing Center (R/DPC).
- EVAC-2: [Check-in, Board, Evacuate] At the R/DPC, evacuees will check-in with the tracking system and board a vessel for evacuation. MCAS Futenma and Kadena AB are the Aerial Ports of Departure; White Beach and Naha Military Port are the Sea Ports of Departure.
- EVAC-1: [Track, Repatriate, Report] Evacuees depart Okinawa via plane or ship and are transported to the U.S. for repatriation.
- EVAC-R: [Assess, Reconcile] The situation will dictate whether U.S. citizens will return to Okinawa or be permanently relocated. If permanently relocated, evacuees will work with military and State Department representatives to reconcile household goods.
YOUR ROLE AS AN EVACUEE. Sponsors and family members are responsible to take an active role in preparation for an evacuation, so that you will be better informed and able to move quickly. Preparation translates to reducing risk to you and your family.
You must also understand what the U.S. Government will and will not do for you. The military and the U.S. Embassy will work to notify you of an evacuation order and move you safely and quickly away from danger. They will also attend to only your basic needs of food, shelter, transportation, and security.
Your responsibilities include:
- Preparing and maintaining an updated Evacuation Information Packet.
- Knowing where rallying points are located and how to get there.
- Updating your contact information with your unit.
- Preparing your emergency readiness kit.
- Preparing to execute an evacuation at anytime.
EVACUATION INFORMATION PACKET. Ensure that you download, print, complete and maintain a hard copy of your family's EIP. This packet contains all DoD forms and documents necessary to be evacuated and repatriated should an evacuation be ordered. It is your responsibility to bring this completed packet to the ECC. This packet can be found via the link at the top of this page.
EVACUATION INFORMATION SOURCES. During emergencies, AFN radio, television and approved online web sources will provide updated information and instructions. All households should have a battery operated portable radio with extra batteries in case of an emergency. During an emergency, instructions will be disseminated simultaneously from broadcasted media sites as well as your chain of command. Therefore, it is vital to update your emergency contact information with your command.
The official sources of information are:
DEPARTURE PRIOR TO ORDERED EVACUATION. In response to specific threats, the U.S. Embassy may issue a travel warning and recommend that U.S. citizens limit travel to Okinawa. 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 Okinawa during the remainder of the sponsor's tour.
ACTIONS DURING AN EMERGENCY. Should an emergency arise, remember to:
- Disregard all rumors
- Stay put and listen for further instructions through official channels of communication
- Be prepared to react quickly
- Remain calm and flexible
CHILDREN IN SCHOOL. Department of Defense Education Agency schools may be directed to cease operations during a crisis. Schools will work closely with the local U.S. military authorities to adequately plan for and implement an evacuation. Except in extreme emergencies, children will not be evacuated without a parent or legal guardian accompanying them.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS, ILLNESS & INJURIES. When processing at the ECC, ensure you visit the Medical Station in case of:
- Pregnancies over 32 weeks or having complications
- Surgery within past 7 days
- Currently under continued doctor's care or recently hospitalized
- Feel too sick to continue
- Out of critical prescription medication
PETS. Although US Government policy does not require pets to be evacuated, the U.S. has recently supported the evacuation of pets. The U.S. 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 Kadena Veterinary Hospital 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. Carriers must be sturdy, properly ventilated and large enough for your pet to freely be able to stand, turn around and lie down. The kennel must also be able to be to be closed securely, as well as be designed so that other cargo will not block ventilation.
PERSONAL PROPERTY. The only personal property that will accompany evacuees are limited to items that can be comfortably carried. In the event that recovery of this property is not possible, DoD evacuees must ensure that they can support a claim to recover the value of the lost property. Documentation of household goods left behind will be your evidence when required to justify a claim. Be prepared to return your house keys (on or off base) as well as the keys to your vehicle(s) as you process through the ECC.
PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES. Documentation to prove ownership and value of your vehicles (such as title, registration or bill of sale) should be part of your emergency readiness kit to support vehicle claims. You may be required to abandon your car or have it commandeered by military or civilian authorities for official use. During a crisis, the host nation government and military authorities can be expected to strictly control highway access in order to reduce congestion. Do not expect to be able to drive your family in your vehicle unescorted during times of crisis.
EMERGENCY READINESS KITS. It is important to remember that conveniences and services will be extremely limited and you must 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 will only be allowed 66 pounds of luggage per person (luggage is what is stored under the aircraft). The best rule to go by is: only bring what you or your family members can carry or pull comfortably. Please refer to the emergency readiness kit checklist on this website for further information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. If you have additional questions please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions link on this webpage. Your Chain of Command will identify an OAEEP representative who will assist you answering any additional questions you might have in evacuation preparation.
Base Emergency Phone Numbers
On Base Off Base Cell Phone
911 911-1911 098-911-1911
Okinawa Emergency Phone Numbers
Police 110
Fire/Ambulance 119