Georgia
Things to know...
Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!
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Weather & Natural Disasters
Georgia’s weather features hot, humid summers with temperatures often climbing into the low 90s, while winters are generally mild, averaging between 40°F and 60°F. The state faces occasional severe thunderstorms, spring tornadoes, and hurricanes along the coast during the Atlantic season.
Tornados
Georgia’s peak tornado season runs from March to May, with an average of 30 tornadoes occurring annually across the state. While most tornadoes are not severe, the state's commitment to safety is evident through the widespread use of warning sirens. If you hear a siren, it's crucial to immediately head to your designated tornado shelter or safe room. It's also wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with supplies for several days and to regularly practice your family's tornado plan, just as you would a fire escape plan. Tornado sirens in Alabama are tested on the first Wednesday of each month at noon, depending on the county.
Hurricanes
Although inland, Augusta, Columbus, and Warner Robins can still feel the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms, particularly from June to November. These storms can bring strong winds, flooding rains, and power outages. It’s important to monitor storm forecasts and have a plan for possible evacuations or sheltering in place.
Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you and your family can be prepared and act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.
For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. -
Neighbourhoods
Cities: Augusta, Columbus, Warner Robins
Augusta is home to Fort Eisenhower. Many nearby communities such as Evans, Grovetown, and Martinez offer commutes ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic to Fort Eisenhower.
Columbus is home to Fort Benning. CAF families can search for housing in Columbus and the surrounding areas.
Warner Robins is located approximately 20 miles west of Robins Air Force Base. CAF families may look in Warner Robins, Bonaire and Kathleen for housing options.
Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.
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Base Information & Resources
For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state, followed by your installation or click the links below.
Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to these bases.- Robins Air Force Base offers various amenities, including a Commissary, Base Exchange (BX), and a Military & Family Readiness Center. Notable amenities include the Museum of Aviation, which features over 85 historic aircraft and is home to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. As of January 2025, the Trusted Traveler program has been suspended, and 100% ID checks are enforced at all gates. For the most updated information on Robins AFB MWR facilities and services > visit Robins AFB
- Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) provides amenities such as a Commissary, Post Exchange (PX), and various family support services. Amenities include the Eisenhower Lakes Golf Club, Five Star Lanes bowling center, an outdoor pool and water park, Hilltop Riding Stables, multiple gyms and fitness centers, a disc golf course, and a shooting range. For the most updated information on Fort Eisenhower MWR facilities and services > visit Fort Eisenhower MWR
- Fort Benning offers amenities including a Commissary, Post Exchange (PX), and a Military & Family Support Center. Additional amenities include fitness centers, swimming pools, bowling alleys, golf courses, recreational shooting ranges, and outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting and fishing. For the most updated information on Fort Benning MWR facilities and services > visit Fort Benning MWR
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Getting Around
Augusta: Getting around Augusta is primarily car-dependent, with major roads like I-20 and Bobby Jones Expressway providing easy access. Traffic can be heavy around Fort Eisenhower and during major events like The Masters.
Columbus: Columbus is car-friendly, with U.S. Route 280 and I-185 serving as main routes. Expect traffic near Fort Moore during peak hours. METRA Transit provides bus services across the city, but routes may not be frequent, so planning ahead is essential.
Warner Robins: Warner Robins relies heavily on cars, with major roads like Watson Boulevard and I-75 connecting key areas. Traffic can build up near Robins Air Force Base during shift changes. -
On-Base Medical Treatment Facility
The following medical groups provide comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
The 78th Medical Group at Robins Air Force Base
Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Eisenhower
Martin Army Community Hospital (MACH) at Fort Benning
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Critters & Wildlife
Georgia is home to various wildlife, including venomous snakes like the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake and the cottonmouth, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded areas. The state also has insects like fire ants and occasional encounters with alligators in coastal and wetland regions. Compared to Canada, Georgia’s warmer climate supports a greater number of reptiles and insects, so routine pest control is recommended to manage mosquitoes, termites, and other pests that thrive in the humid environment
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Education
There are several public schools within a 25-mile radius of Augusta, Columbus, and Warner Robins
Augusta- Columbia County School District
- Richmond County School System
- T.W. Josey High School: Offers French classes as part of its curriculum. While not an immersion program, it provides foundational instruction in the French language.
Click the links for School Liaison Program information for Robins AFB, Fort Eisenhower, and Fort Benning. To find the most updated contact information for a School Liaison Program visit Military One Source Program and Services Contacts and select School Liaison Program and your location. -
Childcare
Child Development Centers
Child development centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care and respite care. Child development centers vary in size and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Defense Department and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children
For a full list of all military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, Childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps – visit MilitaryChildCare.com. Here you can enter in your location or Military installation and find a comprehensive list of all Childcare programs as well as initiate a request for childcare through child development centers, school-age care programs and DOD certified family childcare providers.
Additional Child and Development related resources:- Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the healthy development of our nation’s infants and toddlers
- Birth to Five watch me Thrive is a podcast from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Early Childhood Development provides information for parents about celebrating milestones, the importance of health screenings, how to identify delays and early concerns and how to provide developmental supports for children.
- Exceptional Family Member Program works with other community and military agencies to make sure military parents have the early intervention services their infants and toddlers need.
- Thrive — a free, online parenting program that promotes positive parenting, stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.
- The Military Child Education Coalition is a nonprofit organization that promotes partnerships and provides for networking of military installations and their supporting school districts.
- The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is designed to make transitions smooth for families moving to a new duty station.
- Military K-12 Partnership between the DOD and the Department of Defense Education Activity, has all of the services working with educators and administrators across the nation to provide quality education for all children of military families.
- Exceptional Family Member Program can help families navigate the DOD’s network of services and support if they have a child with a disability or special need.
- The MWR Digital Library is a free, online resource for service members and their families that offers a wide variety of activities and materials for all ages.
- Sesame Workshop has various toolkits to help military families with young children handle the challenges of military life.
- Military OneSource education consultants provide one-on-one, free and confidential services. These consultants can provide referrals to in-home tutors and tutoring centers in their area as well as public and private school information. They enable parents to speak to specialists with various areas of expertise. They include the New MilParent specialty consultation, designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to the age of 5 which provides support for a wide range of parenting issues
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Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
The Georgia Department of Revenue provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses. Georgia offers a "Real ID" compliant driver's license, which can be used for federal identification purposes.
