Family Preparation Checklist

Deployment: Family Preparation Checklist (feel free to print this out!)

While deployments are never easy on your family, there are steps you can take to ease

some of the stress and plan ahead. A carefully prepared and executed pre-deployment

checklist can save you and your family undue strain and duress.

Financial 

• † Discuss all financial accounts with your service member. Do you have a Power of Attorney?

• Can you act on their behalf if necessary? 

• † Notify creditors that may offer deployment benefits. 

• † Find out if the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act 2004 apply? Contact your installation Legal Assistance Office for additional information. 

• † Do you have all account numbers and phone numbers for financial institutions? 

• † Set up a folder to hold receipts and financial documents. 

• † Know all financial and computer passwords. 

• † Discuss how bill paying and managing the bank account will be handled. How will your service member withdraw money if needed during deployment? How will that deduction be recorded? 

• † Set up automatic deposit and electronic payment services. 

• † Discuss budgets for home and deployment expenses. 

• † Establish a financial account for emergency situations. 

• † Check to see if your service member has enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan.

• † Make sure DEERS is up-to-date. 

• † Verify TRICARE status. 

• Personal 

† Make sure you know how to reach your servicemember while deployed. 

• † Have a list of repair facilities on-hand. 

• † Set-up an emergency communication plan between you and your servicemember (such as a relative or friend) to contact in the event you cannot reach each other. 

• † Discuss emotional concerns with family members. 

• † Work, volunteer, take up a hobby to help pass the time. 

• † Exercise. 

• † Set aside quiet time for yourself. 

• † Prioritize your household tasks. 

• † Write or e-mail your service member on a regular basis. 

• † Become active with Family Readiness groups. 

• † Join your unit’s family support group. It offers a variety of activities such as family trips, workshops and self-help groups. 

• † Join a faith-based group. 

• † Contact organizations such as the USO or your Family Service Center for educational and recreational programs for military spouses and their families.

Children and Separation:

• † Make sure your children understand the separation. 
• † Notify your child’s school of a deployed family member. 
• † Plan for communication between children and the deploying service member. 
• † Encourage children to ask questions and express their feelings. 
• † Arrange for access to base agencies, if needed. 
• † Before departure, make a family video. 
• † Pre-record bedtime stories. 
• † Make letter writing and e-mailing a fun activity. Color pictures and add to e-mail messages. 
• † Create a family picture collage. 
• † Talk to your child before the deployment and involve them in the preparations. 
• † Encourage them to share their feelings. 
• † Post a geographical map with the deployment location. 
• † Provide a way for them to measure the separation time: calendar, diary, paper chain, etc. 
• † Keep to your normal routines, to include mealtimes, bedtimes, play dates or whatever they are used to.
• † Keep to the rules of the house, don’t let discipline slip with the absence of a spouse. 
• † Encourage children to write letters, send e-mails, or make taped messages or pictures. 
• † Talk about your deployed service member in daily conversation so children continue to feel connected. 
• † Let children participate with household chores and tell them how important their participation is to the family.

Emergency Plans 

• † Know the location of important papers 

• † Set-up an emergency family communication plan 

• † Consider a home warranty protection plan 

• † Consider a roadside assistance protection plan 

• Prepare a Household Emergency Kit: Flashlight    † First-aid kit    † Extra batteries   † Electrical tape Candles    † Fire Extinguisher   † Matches    † Bottled water 

• Prepare a Roadside Emergency Kit:  Flares    † First-aid kit    † Spare tire    † Ice scraper  Jack     † Blanket    † Maps    † Tool kit  Spare batteries   † Flashlight/lantern   † Jumper cables   † Bottled water  A way to reach help (cell phone or calling card)

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Police ________________________________________________________________

Fire Department ________________________________________________________

Hospital ______________________________________________________________

Doctor _______________________________________________________________

Pediatrician ___________________________________________________________

School _______________________________________________________________

Babysitters or Childcare __________________________________________________

Veterinarian ___________________________________________________________

Installation Chaplain _____________________________________________________

Air Conditioning/Furnace _________________________________________________

Cable Service __________________________________________________________

Computer Assistance ____________________________________________________

Electrician ____________________________________________________________

Gas and Electric ________________________________________________________

Home Security _________________________________________________________

Plumber ______________________________________________________________

Septic Tank ___________________________________________________________

Well Pump ____________________________________________________________

Automobile Repair Facility ________________________________________________

Base/Post Commander’s Office ____________________________________________

Family Center __________________________________________________________

Family Support Group ___________________________________________________

Lawyer/Legal Aid _______________________________________________________

Family Readiness Group _________________________________________________

Ombudsman __________________________________________________________

American Red Cross ____________________________________________________

Youth Center __________________________________________________________

Others:

_______________________ _____________________________________________

_______________________ _____________________________________________