Pre-Deployment Preparedness Tool for Family Members

Preparing for deployment can be stressful, both for the service member who is leaving and also for the family members who will stay behind. The American Red Cross offers this overview of practical matters you may want to discuss with your service member before he/she leaves on deployment. Being prepared to deal with challenges that may arise at home can give everyone some peace of mind and help the service member focus on his/her mission ahead.

Communications

Attend mobilization meetings and take notes Know the exact name of your service member’s unit Know how to reach the rear detachment Have a copy of your service member's orders Know service member's full legal name, branch of service, rank/rating, Social Security number, date of birth, and complete military unit address Know your service member’s cell phone number, email address, and any other contact information Prepare a communications plan in the event of an emergency and share it with your extended family (What does the service member want to know via social media?) Emergency Preparedness

Have a primary and alternate child care plan Have a primary and alternate elder care plan Have emergency plans in place in the event of a disaster – where you will go; how you will communicate Have an emergency plan for pets in the event of a pet’s illness or injury or the family’s need to shelter or evacuate in a disaster Know how to contact the American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center (1-877-272-7337) Know the name, address, and telephone number of your local Red Cross office