CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
When you mention the word readiness, military members usually think of preparing for a deployment and completing tasks like getting immunizations or training.
For their family member, the word readiness can mean so many other things. It may make them think, "Am I prepared to handle the day-to-day activities of my family by myself?" or "What do I do in an emergency situation?"
Military members need to prepare and make sure their families are ready for any emergency situation whether they are deployed or not.
Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down and decide how you will get in contact with all family members, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in a supply kit or another safe place where everyone can access it in the event of a disaster.
Things to include in your plan are: out of town contact information, evacuation location with maps and directions, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for important services such as medical, insurance, veterinarian or kennel information. In addition, schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency plans you and your family need to know about. Another great idea is to keep vehicles in good working order and keep the gas tank at least half full at all times. Remember, if power fails, gas pumps might not work.
Survey your house with your family to determine what you would do in the event of an emergency. Post emergency contact numbers by each phone. Learn and practice how to shut off water, gas and electricity at the mains. Install smoke detectors on each floor, especially in bedrooms, and change the batteries annually -- in conjunction with daylight savings time for an example that's easy to remember. Consider moving heavy objects to lower shelves or securing tall furniture.
As military members, you usually find out about emergencies through supervisors, the chain of command or other base communications systems. But how will your family members be advised or warned about emergency situations? If you are deployed, do they know who to contact in your unit? Do they know when to take action?
In the military, you are given a tremendous amount of training that keeps your readiness at a high state and prepares you for a deployment, but your family members don't have those same skill sets. By learning a few simple skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, it can make them better prepared and more confident for any emergency.
Following a disaster, normal supplies that you use in daily living may not be available. It is suggested you have a disaster supply kit that will allow you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. The composition and size of the kits will vary based on individual needs, family size and personal preferences. To be considered complete, these kits should contain food, water, clothing and medical and hygiene items to meet everyone's personal needs, including pets. Don't forget to resupply, update and exchange your kit regularly.
Something to also consider is how your family might work together with neighbors to prepare for and survive an emergency. Are there neighbors with special needs, and who could help them? Talk with your neighbors and identify skills and equipment you can make available to each other and devise ways to help each other's families if the need arises.
Once you have a plan, it's just as important to keep it updated as if it were any other military checklist. For example, update your plan as your kids attend new schools, you have a change in duty location or a new telephone number. Review your plan every couple of months and consider holding family rehearsals or drills. Some good sources for information to help get you started with creating checklists, making a supply kit and disaster preparedness information can be found at www.fema.gov, www.redcross.org and www.ncpc.org
Your family and their safety are important so take the time now to make sure they are ready for anything!