Before You Deploy

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It is vital for family members and dependents to understand what services the Red Cross provides before emergency strikes. Red Cross volunteers attend pre-deployment briefings and other unit family gatherings to answer questions and deliver information. The Red Cross also can send informational brochures to anyone in the United States explaining our emergency communications process.

Deployment Checklist for Families

General

1. Attend mobilization meetings and take notes
2. Know the exact name of unit
3. Know the names and ranks of chain of command
4. Have a copy of your service member’s orders
5. Know service member’s travel itinerary
6. Know service member’s full name, social security number, and complete military address
7. Have emergency plans in place

Your Finances

1. Plan ahead
2. Discuss what and when bills are due, where receipts are kept, etc.
3. Have enough saved
4. Create family budget

Around the House

1. Extra set of car keys
2. List of repair persons to call
3. Location of utility (water/electricity/gas) shut off valves
4. Know your neighbors

Family Matters

1. Child care plan
2. Elder care plan
3. Emergency plan for pets

Legal Affairs

1. Have Will
2. Have Power of Attorney
3. Have Military I.D.

Communications

1. Pre-addressed, stamped post cards, pens
2. Seek counseling if necessary

Red Cross

1. Know how to contact your local American Red Cross
2. Know name of local Red Cross
3. Know address of local Red Cross
4. Know telephone numbers
5. Duty hours
6. After-duty hours

Access our Services

During Regular Business Hours – Except Holidays & Weekends

• (757) 838-7320 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M-F

After Hours – Including Holidays & Weekends

• (757) 440-1111 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m. M-F; all day Sat-Sun and Holidays
• (877) 272-7337 24 hours a day