Ohio

Things to know...

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

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Ohio’s weather brings hot, humid summers with temperatures often in the 80s and cold winters averaging in the 20s and 30s, with occasional snowfall. The state is prone to severe thunderstorms, spring tornadoes, and occasional winter storms, including ice and snow.

  Tornados

  Ohio’s peak tornado season spans from April to July, with an average of 20-30 tornadoes occurring annually. 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.

  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: Dayton

  Located northeast of Dayton, Wright-Patterson is one of the largest Air Force bases in the U.S. The suburban areas of Centerville/Kettering are located south of Dayton, and combine historic charm, excellent schools, and access to parks and recreational facilities. Centerville is known for its vibrant community events, while Kettering offers a mix of suburban and urban living with a range of housing options. From Dayton expect a commute of 30-40 minutes to WPAFB

  Fairborn is located adjacent to WPAFB and offers affordable housing and a small-town feel with easy access to the base. Commute from Fairborn to WPAFB is typically 10-20 minutes.

  Beavercreek is also a popular choice for military families due to its proximity to WPAFB, excellent schools, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Commutes from Beavercreek are typically 25-30 minutes.

  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. 

• Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
  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 Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

  • Wright-Patterson Air Force Base offers a commissary, exchange, and various Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities. Amenities include the Dodge Fitness Center, swimming pools, FamCamp RV park, arts and crafts center, auto hobby shop, golf course, and lodging at the Air Force Inns. Additionally, the base features the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. For the most updated information on Wright-Patterson AFB MWR facilities and services > visit Wright-Patterson
• Getting Around

  Getting around Dayton is mostly car dependent. Traffic near the base can be heavier during shift changes and base events. Public transportation options are limited, with Dayton offering some bus services, but most people rely on personal vehicles for convenience and flexibility.

• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility

  The 88th Medical Group, which operates the Wright-Patterson Medical Center, provides comprehensive medical care to CAF Families who have been enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have TRICARE eligibility.
  
  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

  Ohio is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Copperhead and the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, especially in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with black bears, particularly in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Ohio has a wider variety of reptiles and insects due to its humid climate, so routine pest control is 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 Dayton.

  • Dayton Public Schools District
  • Northmont City Schools
  • Trotwood-Madison City Schools
  • The Dayton Early College Academy

   

  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.

  Wright-Patterson Air Force Base School Liaison Program

• 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

  The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.