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

Public Health Emergencies:
The Role of the Military Family

Public health emergencies, such asand disasters.
Publichealthemergencies,
suchasinfectious disease outbreaks, create a call
Flu viruses are extremelyto action for individuals and families tounpredictableand variable. While
infectious disease outbreaks , create atake responsibility for their health. The
leaders in science, medicine, andcall to action for individuals and familiespublic is a key partner in addressing
government closely monitor and seek
to take responsibility for their health.
public health crises that affect national
to find solutions to disease outbreaks,
and international communities.
the best way to protect oneself andBecause these kinds of health crises
one’s family is through practicing
impact national security, the health and resilience of ourcommon sense, basic hygiene, staying informed, andmilitary (its fighting force as well as military families andfollowing recommendations over the course of the crisis.
children) are very important.
Here are some important tips for your family’s health andFamilies have a responsibility to protect the health andsafety during a public health emergency.
safety of children of all ages in times of health emergencies
Basic Hygiene:
Everyday things you and your children need to do to stayhealthy:■ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you

cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you
use it.

■ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especiallyafter you cough or sneeze (alcohol-based hands cleaners
are also effective).

■ Wash hands after coming home from public places suchas a mall, the movies, playgrounds, etc.

■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs

spread that way.

Avoid Close Contact with Sick People■ Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person

through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

■ If you are sick, it is recommended that you stay homefrom work or school and limit contact with others tokeep from infecting them.

Stay Informed
Having a reliable and regular source of information(newspaper, radio, television news, or online website)

is important during a public health crisis. Updated
recommendations regarding travel, self and family care, andprevention may impact your planning and that of familymembers. There are several reliable and well- establishedsources of information that are updated regularly:■ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:		

www.cdc.gov■ American Red Cross: 				www.redcross.org■ Your local American Red Cross chapter:			https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html

Family Health/Communication■ It is important, even during times of public health crisis,

to keep up with your regular health routines, such as
annual check-ups.

■ Military families are often on the move. If your movecoincides with disease outbreak, make sure you have afamily doctor or clinic at your new location. Be sure you
know of ways to access healthcare along the way to yournew destination.

■ If you or your family members take regular medications,

make sure you have an extra supply on hand.

Continued

■ Establish an emergency family communication plan,such as 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 family member should know thisnumber.

■ 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.

Involve Your Children■ Schools are a very good source of health informationand education. Make sure to read your children’s school
resources and any specific school recommendations oremergency plans.

■ Encourage your children to educate the entire family

about health habits that can help during a public
emergency.

■ Provide extra support to children with special needs

during such times to ensure they are protected.

■ Remember to plan for childcare in the event of school

closure; this may mean taking leave or finding alternate
care plans.

Public health emergencies, while of great concern to us
all, present opportunities for families to review and practiceimportant steps for good health. It is a time to educate
children of all ages about health habits for life. As a militaryfamily, your health and the health of loved ones contributeto the health, safety, and security of our country.

Courage to Care is a health promotion campaign of Uniformed Services University
and its Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS). CSTS is the academic
arm and a partnering Center of the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for
Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

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