CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Family Readiness: Preparing Your Familyfor Uncertain Events During an Infectious
Disease Outbreak and Other Disasters
When families experience
Such circumstances are difficult,threats to our health and wellbut essential to our own health, as
Our loved ones will have increased peace ofwell as our family’s health. Practically,
being, uncertainty about the future
mind knowing that there is a plan in placeis expected. Disasters that areprior planning ensures family
readiness—that our loved ones will
unpredictable, such as an emerging
in the event of illness, incapacitation,
infectious disease outbreak or
be taken care of should we becomeor death.
pandemic, underscore the importanceincapacitated. Our loved ones
will have increased peace of mindof family readiness.
knowing that there is a plan in place in the event of illness,
Family readiness requires that we plan for the possibility
incapacitation, or death.
of illness, lengthy hospital stays, incapacitation, or even deathof those that we love. As a result, we must weigh decisions that
All of our situations are different, and preparation must
we would otherwise not wish to consider. For example, how dobe tailored to our own personal needs and goals. Prior
planning will lower the stress of family members dealing
we prepare for lengthy family separations, determine who willwith unexpected separations, illnesses, or death. Below arelook after our children if we become ill, or prepare for which
considerations to help all of us prepare for the uncertainties
of our family members or friends can take over personal andfinancial matters as we would desire.
that can result from disaster events:
1. Access to Important Information and Documents
a. Make sure loved ones know the location of important
documents.
b. Develop an overview document clearly spelling out thecontents and where documents are located.
c. Have a separate document with a list of passwords to all
your electronic accounts so these can be accessed. Keepthis in a protected location, which can be online and/or onpaper.
d. Provide a list of resources and contact information forfamily members to consult for assistance.
e. Ensure that a trusted person knows how to access
important documents in case of an emergency.

f. If you have financial savings or own property (e.g., a car orhome), establish in advance who you want to manage yourassets in the event you are incapacitated or not available.

2. Legal and Financial Planning (Estate Planning)a. Identify a trusted person to have power of attorney if you
become incapacitated.
b. Create a “living will” (advance medical directive).
c. Prepare a certified last will and testament (if feasible,
consider working with an estate attorney).
d. As best you can, have adequate insurance coverage.
e. Prepare other legal documents to ensure your family isprotected if the unexpected occurs (e.g., a testamentary or
non-testamentary trust).

Military-Specific:
Military OneSource. “Estate Planning.”
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/legal/estateplanning/estate-planning

Helping our families plan in the event of an incapacitating
illness or death can be difficult to imagine. However, planningfor such events can lower the stress of the unexpected. Goodplanning will help us feel that we are caring for those that welove.
Resources
American Bar Association. “Estate Planning Info & FAQs.”
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/
resources/estate_planning/

United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. “Estate
Planning Tool Kit for Military and Family Members.”
https://www.jagcnet.army.mil/Sites%5C%5CLegalAssistancePublic.
nsf/0/50576E05C79F2535852580B2005EF1DD/%24File/Estate%20
Planning%20Tool%20Kit%202002.pdf