Appendix C

FAMILY DEPLOYMENT CHECKLIST

Although extended deployments are never easy on the family, the hardships need not be increased by failure to plan ahead.  A carefully prepared and executed pre-deployment checklist can save you and your family from giant headaches in the future.  It is very important for you, as a military family, to have certain documents in your possession.  Military spouses are often required to take over the family during the sponsor's absence; therefore, it is important that both of you sit down together to gather information and documents named in this checklist.  You are encouraged to keep originals or copies of all listed documents in a special container (safety deposit box) in a location you can find immediately and is known to both you and the sponsor.  (Also see APPENDICES F & G)

______  Marriage Certificate

______  Birth Certificates of all family members:  _____ Wife_____ Husband____ Children

______  Divorce Papers

______  Death Certificates

______  Shot records of all family members (including pets)

______  Citizenship/Naturalization papers

______  Adoption Papers

______  Passports, Visas (remove only when needed for international travel)

______  Insurance policies (Note:  Company, Policy #, and Amount of Payment)

______  Real Estate Documents (leases, mortgages, deeds, or promissory notes)

______  Copies of installment contracts and loan papers

______  Current list of immediate next of kin, personal lawyer, trusted friend  (Include phone # and  address)

______  Car title (registration should be in car)

______  Last LES (Leave Earning Statement)

______  Discharge papers (DD Form 214)

______  Allotments (Updated with correct amount, name, address, account number)

______  Social Security Number of each family member

______  Current addresses and telephone numbers of immediate family members of both spouses

The Following Should be Completed Prior to Deployment:

______  Next of kin informed of rights, benefits, assistance available

______  Family budget and business arranged  (See Financial Section for Budget Worksheet)

______  Emergency Data Card updated in Military Personnel Record

______  Joint checking/savings account arranged  (List-all account numbers)

______  Parents informed of how to make contact in case of emergency  (See Appendixes D, E)

______  Armed Forces ID Cards  (Renew if ID Card expires within next 3 months; Rear Detachment Commander can sign for ID Replacement after soldier deploys)

______  Emergency services explained and located:

______  Red Cross/Army Emergency Relief (AER)

______  Medical facilities/CHAMPUS

______  Army Community Service (ACS)

______  Legal Assistance Office

______  Security check on house

______  Problems with cars, household, and appliances identified and resolved

______  Power of attorney

GENERAL:  Allows holder to act in all matters on sponsor's behalf.

SPECIAL:  Allows holder to act on sponsor's behalf in special transactions.

MEDICAL:  Authorizes holder to obtain medical care for family members under 18 years of age.

______  Wills for both spouses

______  Orders

______  Copy of Emergency Data Card

______  List of all credit cards and account numbers

______  AAFES Deferred Payment Plan (DPP), (to use, spouse must be listed as an authorized user or hold sponsor's General Power of Attorney)

______  Federal and State Income Tax Returns (last 5 years)

HOUSE CARE CHECKLIST

Take a 10-minute walk through your house.  Carry this checklist to help you truly see your home.  The idea behind this walk is to look for fire hazards.  You don't have any?  Are you sure?  Perhaps this list will change your mind.

KITCHEN:  YES/NO

______  Are curtains, dish towels, or paper items kept away from stove?

______  Is stove's exhaust hood and ductwork clean of grease?

______  Do you have a working fire extinguisher close at hand?

LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, BEDROOMS:  YES/NO

______  Is fireplace spark screen always closed?

______  Is electrical wiring/circuits/outlets adequate to handle load?

______  Is there sufficient space for air circulation around TV/stereo?

______  Are ashtrays available in home occupied by smokers?

______  Are matches and lighters out of reach of children?

ATTIC, CLOSETS, STORAGE ROOM:  YES/NO

______  Do you keep oily cleaning rags in tight metal containers?

______  Are you using only nonflammable cleaning fluids?

______  Do you avoid accumulations of paper and combustible materials?

WORKSHOP:  YES/NO

______  Are combustible materials kept away from heat sources?

______  Are paint thinners, paints, and solvents kept in their original containers for identification purposes?

______  Are the furnace, heaters, vents and chimneys inspected and serviced regularly?

______  Are fuses of the proper size for the circuits they protect?

______  Are the dryer lint trap and vent kept clean?

GARAGE/GROUNDS:  YES/NO

______  Is gasoline for the mower stored in a safety can?

______  Have you removed accumulations of trash and paper?

______  Are oil-soaked rags in tight metal containers to prevent combustion?

______  Do you use commercial starter fuels (not gasoline) for barbecue fires and are barbecue mitts emberproof?

______  Are there dry leaves under porches or wooden stairs, in window sills, or anywhere else close to the house?

SELF CHECK:  YES/NO

______  Do you inspect electrical cords frequently and keep them in good condition?

______  Do you use extension cords only for temporary convenience, never as permanent wiring?

______  Do you enforce a "NO SMOKING IN BED" rule?

______  Do you and your family avoid using hair spray near open flames or while smoking?

______  Does everyone in the family know how to call the fire department or dial the operator?

______  Does each telephone have the fire, police, and ambulance numbers close to it?

______  Does your family have a fire escape plan and has your family drilled with it?

______  Do you make sure your children are not left unattended and instruct baby sitters about emergency procedures?

NOW IT IS TIME TO ADD UP YOUR ANSWERS.

To how many of the 35 questions did you answer "NO"???  One or two?  Your home is pretty fire safe.  But remember, just one can cause a tragedy!  If you had 5 or 6, you are risking the safety of your family.  If you have more than 6, you are asking for trouble.  Take action NOW!

SMOKE DETECTORS:  Buy a battery-operated smoke detector.  It is one of the best and most inexpensive forms of fire insurance.  It will not prevent a fire from starting, but it may save your life!   Be sure to check the smoke detector on a regular basis.

HOME TOOL KIT

_____  Flashlight and extra batteries

_____  Hammer

_____  Assorted Nails, screws and tacks

_____  Screwdrivers

_____  Masking Tape

_____  Scissors and/or knife

_____  Pliers

_____  Wrench

_____  Furnace Filters

_____  Extra light bulbs