Pre-Deployment Preparedness Tool

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