A Health Campaign of Uniformed Services University, www.usuhs.edu, and theCenter for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Bethesda, Maryland, www.CSTSonline.org

Safety, Health, and Preparedness:
A 9 /11 Anniversary Message for Military Families
Each fall, our nation observes
Preparedness plays an importantthe anniversary of 9/11, the anthrax
part in helping military families meet
Preparedness plays an important partattacks, and the War on Terror. Serviceand cope with the unique challenges
in helping military families meet andmembers and their families have playedand relationship stressors related tocopewiththeuniquechallenges
anda vital role in our nation’s security andthe deployment cycle. Departures,
health. Although it has not been easy,
holiday homecomings, and reuniting
relationship stressors related to themilitary families should be proud of theafter deployment are some of thedeploymentcycle.
sacriﬁce and contributions they haveevents for which military families
made to keep this nation safe.
prepare and respond. Preparedness
During the past ﬁve years, we havestarts at home with attention to ourmet the challenges of the World Trade Center and Pentagon family’s health and safety.
attacks, as well as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita where
This Courage to Care fact sheet offers some preparedness
our troops have played an important role in responding
reminders to help service members, and their spouses/
to disaster and aiding in recovery. All of these events
partners, protect the health and safety of their families inhave heightened our nation’s awareness of the value ofthe months ahead.
preparedness.

THE DEPLOYMENT CYCLE

Deployments
Families experiencing a ﬁrst time deployment shouldtake advantage of deployment preparedness educationand support offered by their community. There is evidence
that social support contributes to family health andsafety. Families facing multiple deployments have gained
experience and wisdom, which they can share with families
new to this process. Remember that stress can also be
accompanied by growth as family members master difﬁcult
tasks and additional responsibilities. These strengths,
including those gained through loss and suffering, should
be recognized this fall as the nation remembers and reﬂects
upon the past ﬁve years.
Reunions
A homecoming combines the excitement of being afamily again and an urgency to make up for time lost.
Reunions can be difficult for couples and military children.
■ Remind each other and your children that you will needtime to readjust to the homecoming of the deployedparent. Young children often act shy; older children may
feel and act angry because of their parent’s absence.

For Family Health and Safety, Exercise Caution:■ Driving. When people have not operated a conventional

motor vehicle in a long time, driving can be hazardous.
In the ﬁrst few days, have someone accompany thereturning soldier as they transition back to driving.

■ Drinking alcoholic beverages. Since exposure

to alcoholic beverages has been limited during
deployment, it is important not to over indulge.
Excessive use of alcohol can be a warning sign ofdistress, increase the risk of accidents, and decrease theopportunity to reestablish connection with one’s spouse/
partner and family.

Reintegration
It may be helpful to view this transition as a time forbuilding a shared sense of purpose.
■ Your returning spouse/partner must transform theirsense of purpose created during deployment, an intensetime, into the routines and safety of everyday life.

■ You and your children have established new routines

during the deployment that are now comfortable.

Continued

■ Respect where each other is coming from andcommunicate. Service members often prefer to discuss
war stories with military buddies to protect spouses
and family from traumatic memories. Spouses/partners
should not be offended.

■ Communication can occur by taking walks, working

out together, or engaging in a sport. These activities canenhance family communication and health, and help
build relationships with one’s children.

ROUTINE HEALTH

As a new or single parent during deployment, you have
many new responsibilities including the health of yourchild or children. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider toassist you with routine health care tips, such as ﬂu shots.
■ Schedule your ﬂu shots this fall for yourself and yourchildren.

■ Determine a planned evacuation destination. This

includes knowing the location or numbers to call to getsuch information, having maps, and knowing alternate
routes.

■ Have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicles at alltimes. This can be a time saver and help families leave
immediately.

■ Turn off the gas and water to your home, if possible,

prior to evacuating. Remember to call the gas company
to turn back on the gas once your family returns.

Family Communication Plan
■ Establish a primary contact and number (preferablya relative or friend in another part of the region orout of state) who family members can call in case ofemergencies.

■ Every member of the family should know this number.

FAMILY PREPAREDNESS FOR DISASTERYour family needs to be prepared, especially around its
health needs, in the face of natural disasters and terrorism.
Special Health Needs■ At home, have an extra supply of medications available.
■ In the event of separation, you should provide

instructions and training (if possible) to the primarycare providers outside of the home (e.g., daycare andschool teachers). This would be especially important if afamily member has speciﬁc medical needs.

■ Make sure adult children away from home, such ascollege students, and elderly family members, areprepared.

Evacuation PlanHaving a prepared plan for evacuation can save valuabletime.
■ Have a ‘ready to go’ kit. Essential items include extra

water, food, batteries, ﬁrst aid kit, a ﬂashlight, wind up
radio, contact numbers, and medications.

■ In the event that family members are separated, it is also

important that daycare, work, school, and neighbors
know this number.

■ Prepare a list of phone numbers where each family

member can be reached during the day. Include a list ofrelatives, friends, and business associates that would or
should know your whereabouts in case of emergency.

■ During disasters, phone communications may bedisrupted. Provide an alternative means for making
calls, such as a special ‘emergency’ calling card or cellphone. Other vehicles of communication are importantsuch as the Internet, e-mail communication, and HAM
radio. The Red Cross is also a resource to help contact
loved ones.

■ Leave a note at your residence to let others know where

you are and how you can be contacted.

To access previous issues of Courage to Care addressing
Reunions, Reintegration, issues around helping children
cope during deployment, go to: 				https://www.cstsonline.org/education-and-training/
health-campaigns/courage-to-care-health-campaign■ Plan ahead for family pets by contacting area sheltersand have provisions stored for self-care if possible.

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org