Alabama

Things to know...

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

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Alabama’s weather is a blend of warm Southern charm and dramatic seasonal shifts. Summers bring steamy, humid days with temperatures soaring around 90°F, while winters offer a milder retreat, with crisp mornings averaging between 50°F and 60°F. Tornadoes are common in spring and fall, while hurricanes often affect coastal areas during the Atlantic hurricane season.

  Tornados

  Alabama's peak tornado season spans from March to May, with an average of 44 tornadoes occurring annually. While most tornadoes are not severe, the state's commitment to safety is evident through the widespread use of tornado shelters and 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.

  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.

• Neighbourhoods

  Cities: Montgomery, Huntsville, Enterprise

  Montgomery

  Montgomery is home to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, a key installation for the U.S. Air Force and a center for professional military education. Commutes to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base from most Montgomery neighborhoods range from 10 to 30 minutes. CAF families may also want to look in Pike Road, Prattville, or Wetumpka which is outside of Montgomery and may have more suitable options for education than Montgomery County School District.

  Huntsville

  Huntsville is home to Redstone Arsenal, a significant U.S. Army installation and a hub for military, aerospace, and defense-related industries. Commutes from most Huntsville neighborhoods to Redstone Arsenal are manageable, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

  Enterprise

  Enterprise, situation in southeastern Alabama, is a small town with access to a variety of amenities and approximately 20 minute southwest of Fort Rucker. For those looking for a quieter rural setting and less than a 10-minute commute to Fort Rucker, Daleville may be an option. 

  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. 

• 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 should have access to their nearest base:

  • Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base - Montogmery
  • Redstone Arsenal - Huntsville
  • Fort Rucker - Enterprise
• Getting Around

  Getting around Enterprise, Huntsville, and Montgomery is mostly car-dependent, with well-maintained highways and major roads connecting these areas. Be mindful of military base entry requirements at Fort Novosel, heavy traffic around Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, and frequent construction zones in Montgomery.

• 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. 

  • Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base - 42nd Medical Group
  • Redstone Arsenal - Fox Army Health Center
  • Fort Rucker - Lyster Army Health Clinic

  
  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

  Alabama is home to a variety of wildlife, including venomous snakes such as the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and the cottonmouth, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease. The state also has dangerous wildlife, including jellyfish and alligators, particularly in coastal areas. Compared to Canada, Alabama’s warmer climate means a greater year-round presence of pests, making routine pest control a good idea for managing insects and rodents.

• Children's Education

  Montgomery

  There are several public school options within a 25-mile radius of Montgomery, including:

  • Montgomery County Schools
  • Autauga County Schools
  • Elmore County Schools
  • Pike Road Schools
  • Maxwell Air Force Base Elementary/Middle School

  Huntsville

  • Huntsville City Schools
  • Madison County School System
  • Academy for Science & Foreign Language (ASFL)

  ASFL in Huntsville is a magnet school (K–8) that emphasizes both science and foreign languages. Students begin learning French daily in kindergarten, continuing through Grade 5.

  Enterprise

  • Enterprise City School District

  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 installations: Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Redstone Arsenal, and Fort Rucker.
  
  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.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses

  Visit the Alabama Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division for information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.