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 siren testing schedules vary by location, so it’s best to check with the local county for specific details.
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.
Prepare
Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can 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.
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Neighbourhoods
Cities: Augusta, Columbus, Warner Robins
Augusta is home to Fort Gordon. Many nearby communities such as Evans, Grovetown, and Martinez offer commutes ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic to Fort Gordon.
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.
Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more.
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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.
The following bases offer a wide range of amenities, including commissaries, exchanges, child development centers, and extensive MWR facilities such as fitness, recreation, and outdoor activities. Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards should have access to their nearest base:
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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 Gordon 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.
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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.
- 78th Medical Group at Robins Air Force Base
- Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon
- Martin Army Community Hospital (MACH) at Fort Benning
Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details. -
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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Children's 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.
Columbus
Warner Robins
It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.
For more information on School Liaison Programs, visit the following links: Robins AFB, Fort Gordon, and Fort Benning.
To find the most up-to-date contact information for a School Liaison Program, visit the Military OneSource Program and Services Directory and select “School Liaison Program” along with your location. -
Child Care
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 Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
For a full list of 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. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.
Additional Child and Developement Resources
Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.
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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.
