Pennsylvania

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters
  Pennsylvania’s weather features warm, humid summers with temperatures often in the 80s and cold winters averaging in the 20s to 30s, with frequent snowfall in northern and higher-elevation areas. The state is also prone to severe thunderstorms, occasional flooding, and winter storms, including snow and ice.
  
  Tornados
  Pennsylvania sees an average of 10-20 tornadoes annually, and while they tend to be weaker than those in the central U.S., they can still cause damage. Areas such as Carlisle and Harrisburg are susceptible to tornadoes, particularly during April to June. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in a basement or interior room away from windows.
  
  Flooding
  Flooding is a recurring issue, especially in spring after heavy rains and snowmelt. Flooding can occur along the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg and in low-lying areas around Philadelphia. Flash flooding can develop quickly, so be cautious in flood-prone areas and never drive through floodwaters.
  
  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you and your family can be prepared and take 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: Carlisle, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Moorestown (NJ)
  
  U.S. Army War College (Carlisle Barracks) focuses on senior officer education and strategic leadership training. Carlisle is a historic town with charming neighborhoods, affordable housing, and a small-town feel. Most residents in Carlisle enjoy a commute of fewer than 10 minutes to the Carlisle Barracks.
  
  Harrisburg is Approximately 20 miles east of the Carlisle Barracks for those who prefer living in the state capital. Other neighbourhood options include Camp Hill, and Hershey (home to Hershey amusement park). Commutes from Harrisburg range from 30-40 minutes, while Camp Hill residents can expect a 20–30-minute drive.
  
  Located approximately 10 miles northeast of Philadelphia is Naval Support Activity (NSA) Philadelphia, a U.S. Navy installation providing support services to naval units and commands in the region. Philadelphia offers a variety of living environments, including urban neighborhoods like Center City, which provides walkability and proximity to the NSWC, and suburban-style areas like Chestnut Hill and Manayunk, known for their charm and quieter atmosphere. Other options to search for housing would be Furlong and Jamison.
  
  Some CAF families may also search for housing in Moorestown, New Jersey. Moorestown is a suburban community known for its excellent public schools, historic downtown area, and family-friendly atmosphere. Commuting from Moorestown to NSA Philadelphia typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
  
  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.
   
• 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.

  • Carlisle Barracks provides a commissary, exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include a fitness center, library, dining options, lodging at the IHG Army Hotel Historia, and on-base housing with playgrounds and park areas. Additional facilities include a golf course. For the most updated information on Carlisle Barracks MWR facilities and services > visit Carlisle Barracks MWR
  • Naval Support Activity (NSA) Philadelphia features a fitness center, outdoor equipment rentals, a child development center, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. Amenities include a basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, soccer court, softball fields, multipurpose field, and tennis courts. For the most updated information on NSA Philadelphia MWR facilities and services > visit NSA Philadelphia Fleet and Family Readiness
• Getting Around
  Getting around in Carlisle, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia is a mix of car-dependency and public transportation options. In Carlisle, most people rely on cars, as traffic is generally light, though it can increase near military events or during peak hours. In Harrisburg, public transportation is more accessible, with the Capital Area Transit (CAT) bus system covering the city, but many still prefer cars, especially for longer trips or traveling outside the city. Philadelphia has an extensive public transportation network via SEPTA, including buses, subways, and commuter rail, but driving remains common for trips outside the city or to nearby areas like Carlisle and Harrisburg. Traffic in Philadelphia can be heavy, particularly downtown, and parking can be expensive.
  
  Moorestown, NJ: Similarly, Moorestown is about 10 miles from NSA Philadelphia, and getting around is mostly car-dependent.
• 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.
  
  Carlisle Barracks, through Dunham U.S. Army Health Clinic
  Naval Support Activity (NSA) through the Naval Branch Health Clinic Philadelphia
   
• Critters & Wildlife
  Pennsylvania is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with black bears, especially in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Pennsylvania has a wider variety of reptiles and insects due to its temperate climate, making routine pest control recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests during the warmer months.
• Children's Education
  There are several public schools, along with a few charter schools, within a 25-mile radius of Carlisle and Philadelphia
  
  Carlisle
  There are several public schools within the Carlisle Area School District, which serves military families living on Carlisle Barracks. ** The district offers French language courses starting from middle school through high school, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Enrollment is typically open to residents of the district. For specific enrollment deadlines and requirements, contact the district directly.
  
  Harrisburg
  Harrisburg has several public schools within the Harrisburg School District, along with charter schools offering unique educational opportunities. One of the notable charter schools is Infinity Charter School, which serves grades K-8 with a focus on academic excellence and student development.
  
  Philadelphia
  Philadelphia offers a diverse array of educational options, including numerous public and charter schools and a French International School.

  • The School District of Philadelphia
  • Mastery Charter Schools: Operating multiple campuses across Philadelphia, Mastery Schools focus on preparing students for postsecondary success through rigorous academics and personal development.

  • Independence Charter School: Located in South Philadelphia, this K-8 charter school provides a dual-language education experience, emphasizing STEAM academics and enrichment in arts, business, and civics.
  • MaST Community Charter School: Situated in Northeast Philadelphia, MaST serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a curriculum centered around math, science, and technology.
  • Philadelphia Academy Charter School: With campuses in Northeast Philadelphia, this charter school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade, aiming to prepare students to achieve their highest potential.
  • KIPP Philadelphia Schools: Part of the national KIPP network, these schools are committed to creating joyful, academically excellent environments that prepare students for success in college and beyond.

  French International School of Philadelphia: An independent preschool through eighth-grade school offering a comprehensive bilingual curriculum in French and English, serving a multicultural community. Enrollment Considerations: Private institution with its own admission process and tuition fees. It's advisable to contact the school directly for current enrollment information
  Alliance Française de Philadelphie: Offers French language classes for all levels, including in-person and online options, with classes meeting weekly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Enrollment Considerations: Open to all students; enrollment procedures can be obtained by contacting them directly.
  
  It is highly recommended that you utilize your installation’s School Liaison Officer, who is available to offer valuable information on local school districts, serve as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and provide expert consultation on educational matters.
  
  Click here for School Liaison Officer information and contact for Fort Huachuca. 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
• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.