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Preparing Your Family for Emergencies

Overview

Military families are stationed all over the world and face unique challenges like relocation and deployment. When disaster strikes, service members and their families may not always have loved ones nearby to turn to for help. No one wants to think about worst-case scenarios; however, it is best to prepare for disasters by taking time to create an emergency plan.

Military OneSource offers you guidance on what you need to know to prepare for emergencies. Here are some important steps:

Communication is Key

Use this guide to learn how to account for yourself and others during natural and man-made disasters.

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Information to help military members, families and veterans prepare for emergencies and find assistance and support.

Create a family emergency plan

Planning for the unexpected begins with becoming aware of natural disasters more likely in your area and making a plan for yourself and your family. Communication is key for families. That starts with talking about what to do when there is an emergency. Supplement your good start with tips and ways to efficiently create an emergency plan by checking out this additional information.

TOOLS & RESOURCES FOR CREATING A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN

Prepare a disaster kit

If you are going on a vacation, you probably set aside time to pack essentials to take with you. The same applies for disaster preparedness. No one wants to be rushing around during a disaster trying to find and pack important items. That’s where preparing your disaster kit comes in. The kit includes important papers, medications, supplies and cash. Use the following resources to find tips and checklists to make sure you’ve got everything you need.

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The Ready.gov website has information on stocking and storing an emergency supply kit.

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Collect and organize critical financial, medical and household contact information with this guide from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Know Your TRICARE Benefits Before Disaster Strikes

Be prepared for natural disasters. Learn about TRICARE coverage, emergency prescriptions and referral waivers during emergencies.

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Know how to connect with missing loved ones

Be familiar with the programs that can help you connect with family members or other loved ones after a disaster. These include the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System and the American Red Cross Safe and Well program, which allow individuals to register as safe or search for others who have listed themselves as safe.

Review the following information to learn more about connecting with missing loved ones during an emergency.

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Learn about American Red Cross military support programs, including emergency messaging.

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Accounting for yourself after a disaster isn’t just a good idea, it’s mandatory for Defense Department personnel. Learn about the importance and different aspects of the department’s Personnel Accountability and Assessment System in this podcast.

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Listen and learn about the critical steps to take to keep you and your family safe in the event of a disaster.

Sign up for installation emergency alerts

Now is the time to inquire about the emergency procedures in place on your installation or in your community.

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Find out about your installation’s security procedures and sign up for installation and community alerts so you know what to do in an emergency.

Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, neighborhood information, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.

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