The Readiness Checklist, below, provides a very detailed list
of the steps necessary to prepare for military separation, or any
crisis. It covers the four steps to a Family Readiness Plan (FRP), along with other helpful ideas. Please
review and update it prior to each separation. You can download
it here in PDF format, print it, complete it, and maintain
it as TAB E in your FRP.
PERSONAL READINESS:
□ Prepare a Family Readiness Plan (FRP) following the 4 simple
steps, below.
- Step 1: Get a folder with
at least 5 tabs or dividers.
- Step 2: Print and follow
the directions to complete each of the following forms, making
a separate tab in the folder for each of them.
- Step 3: Keep your FRP
near a phone and notify a trusted third party of the contents
and location of the plan. Give him/her access to the location
of your FRP. Keep in mind that even if you are married,
you should still designate a trusted 3rd party representative
in case something happens to your spouse while you are deployed.
- Step 4: Guard member
and his/her spouse (or designated guardian) should make a wallet-size
card with the names and phone numbers of important contacts (i.e.,
Guard member, the Command Post, trusted 3rd party). Keep this
next to your Driver’s License in case of an emergency.
A larger copy could be kept in the glove compartment of each
vehicle, and/or affixed to the visor.
□ Discuss w/loved ones the important role of the Red Cross
in family emergencies.
□ Become a part of the Operation
F.I.T. (Families in Touch). This will ensure that your loved
ones receive a telephone roster listing other families in the
unit, along with unit contact information - vital for communication
during activations and deployments.
□ Obtain/update ID cards for each eligible family member. Click
here for Readiness Contact information.
□ Discuss w/loved ones the feelings involved with military separation and
include the children in the discussion click
here for Coping Strategies suggested by Crossroads, the official community
website of the U.S. Air Force, or visit (www.afcrossroads.com).
□ Discuss w/loved ones benefits (TriCare, etc.) and FANG
pay information.
https://mypay.dfas.mil
□
Notify your civilian supervisor of the upcoming deployment.
LEGAL READINESS:
□ Update your Will, making sure
to designate legal guardians for your children (someone besides
your spouse in case your spouse dies or becomes incapacitated during
your absence).
□ Create Powers of Attorney
(POA)
to designate Dependent Care and/or to grant a trusted 3rd-party
the authority to make legal and/or financial decisions on your
behalf
□ Along with obtaining updated Will and POAs, make sure
to file POA(s) in their appropriate place and tell designees of
their location.
□ Create a Living Will and/or Designation
of a Health Care Surrogate through your Legal Office.
FINANCIAL READINESS:
□ Set up a "My Pay" account so that you and/or
your loved ones can access your pay information.
https://mypay.dfas.mil
□ Develop a budget. Use the following link for worksheets
and guidance:
□ Arrange for joint checking/savings account access.
□ Discuss w/spouse or trusted 3rd party the amount to be
deposited in account from paycheck.
□ Discuss w/loved ones:
- the use of credit cards and agreed on a limit to their
usage.
- the Soldier's and Sailor's Civil Relief Act (for Active
Duty deployments). The act includes reduced rates on debts,
tax breaks, and relief from some types of legal action.
http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourceFileView/Active_Benefits_FAQ.htm
- LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) and leave a copy
for loved ones
□ Select life insurance if you have not done so already.
□ Discuss the following with the your unit's Customer Service
Office
(click here for Readiness
Contact information.)
- Medical and dental coverage for self and loved ones
while away
- Enrollment of family members in DEERS
- Long-term care insurance
□ Arrange for paying taxes and bills (i.e., establish allotments,
obtain powers of attorney, etc.).
(click
here for Readiness Contact information.)
HOUSEHOLD READINESS:
□ Provide copies of orders to loved ones or trusted 3rd
party.
□ Ensure security measures are in place:
- Check smoke detectors and replace batteries as needed
- Install a peephole and/or reliable security precautions at
home
- Make sure locks on all doors and windows are firmly attached & functioning
- Make sure all entry ways are well-lighted for security
- Trim shrubs and bushes so that they don't hide windows and
block doorways
- Make sure appliances & car are in good repair
- Check major systems and replace wiring, filters, etc. as needed
- Label fuses and circuit breakers, and brief family on their
function
- Review exit plan in case of fire or other emergency
- Create a Disaster Preparedness Kit (www.fema.gov/rrr/displan.shtm)
that include
- flashlight w/batteries
- first-aid kit
- water (1 gallon per person per day; 3 day's worth
- food (store 3 days' worth of nonperishable foods
- portable radio
- Create an evacuation plan in the event of a Hurricane or other
disaster
- Ensure all family members know where kit is kept and what
the evacuation plan includes
- Make sure automobiles are in good repair and ensure that registrations
ar
current
- Provide a list of trusted persons to contact for household
repair
- Make arrangements for moving, if necessary
- Make a list of health-care providers (helpful in an emergency)
□ If single, identify a trusted 3rd party to
- Ensure bills are paid
- Pet is cared for
- Manage unexpected problems that may arise w/home or property
during absence (via Power of Attorney)
□ Review FRP with loved ones and trusted 3rd party
□ Discuss "what to do" and "who to call" for
emergencies
- review DD Form 93
- review SGLI - VA Form 29-8286
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