New procedures improve accountability in emergencies Published Aug. 22, 2006 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- If a national emergency occurs, Air Force Reserve Command has improved procedures in place for keeping track of its military people and their families. The command developed the procedures to prepare for future disasters after hurricanes devastated the Gulf Coast last year. "Our goal is to educate each individual on the importance of timely personnel accountability after any devastating event," said David Holly, AFRC personnel readiness operations branch chief. Under the new procedures, commanders use a two-phase approach to account for their people. Each phase - pre and post - will be completed within 48 hours of notification to begin the accountability process. People assigned to or living in an affected area must check in with the unit. They should check in at the first available opportunity, but no later then 48 hours after the start of the crisis. People on temporary assignment or on leave in a disaster area should report their location and status to their unit of assignment. "Personnel accountability is a top priority for Air Force Reserve Command," said Mr. Holly. "Our most important resources are our people and their families. "In the event of a disaster, we need timely accountability of our people," he said. "Since we must always be prepared to accomplish our mission, we need to know their status and availability." Reporting instructions are available on the command Web site https://wwwmil.afrc.af.mil/. People can link to the instructions by selecting the "Hot & New Items" icon, going to the drop down menu and selecting "Personnel Accountability." (AFRC News Service)