No matter how well you have planned your move, emergencies do happen.
Before you leave make sure you have all important papers with you - not packed with your household goods. Make sure you have important numbers such as Staff Duty Officer, your Command Duty Office, and your sponsor or unit number. Your sponsor can be invaluable in case of an emergency while in transit.
As a matter of practicality, try and plan your travel route around military installations to provide rapid access to military emergency services.
Army Emergency Relief (AER):
Financial Assistance provides financial assistance to eligible soldiers and their dependents. AER can help with emergency financial needs for food, rent, utilities, emergency transportation and vehicle repair, funeral expenses, medical/dental expenses, and personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen. Assistance is given in the form of an interest free loan, grant, or part loan/grant. To receive AER assistance, first see your unit commander then contact the AER office for appointment. AER also provides undergraduate level education scholarships, based primarily on financial needs, for dependent children of active duty, retired, or deceased soldiers.
Texas Roadside Assistance (Texas Department of Public Safety)
DPS has a toll free number for motorists to contact for non-emergency roadside assistance -
1-800-525-5555, which is printed on the back of most driver licenses.
The toll-free line has been operated by DPS for several years for motorists to use when reporting non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways. DPS then passes the information along to the appropriate local police agency or DPS office. However, in the event it is an emergency, we suggest you call 911.
Please be aware that the DPS does not send out a tow truck at the State's expense. We will either come to assist you or refer you to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. If a tow truck is ultimately dispatched, the motorist is responsible for any costs incurred. Some cities and agencies do have courtesy patrols and roadside trucks to provide non-towing services and they may be dispatched by the local agencies when appropriate.
Customers of participating wireless companies -- ALLTEL, Nextel, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless -- can dial *DPS (*377) free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas, and receive roadside assistance for non-emergency situations.