DISASTER PLANNING CHECKLIST

As Americans receive news of changing threat levels and as select airlines ready for supporting our nation's defense response, AFA members may find a need to review, renew, and modify their travel readiness preparations. Below is a checklist that you and your family members may find useful towards that effort. While we certainly can't know what we don't know, we can think through contingency plans around the "what ifs."

Disaster Planning

• Have you and your family created a disaster plan? The American Red Cross at www.redcross.org and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) at www.fema.gov have comprehensive and user friendly planning materials for individuals and families. If you do not have access to a computer, these guides are available as free brochures from local/state offices. Sample publications include: Are you ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness Emergency; Planning for People with Special Needs; Animals in Disasters; and Natural, Technological and Man-Made Hazards.
  
• Do you have a copy of the current family disaster plan and key contact numbers with you at all times?
  
• Are the emergency contact numbers current with your employer, schools, care providers, etc.?
  
• Do you and your family members have current medical information on file and in your wallet (as needed for special situations)? Do you know your blood type?
  
• Do you and your family members have access to important financial, legal, medical, and personal identification documents?
  
• Have you and your family members developed a stress management plan? Following September 11th, many families became aware of their unique resiliencies and vulnerabilities. What stress reactions do you anticipate and what stress reduction techniques do you need to plan for? Do you have support services in place or already identified. Please contact your AFA EAP if you need assistance in this area at 1-800-424-2406.
  
• Have you developed contingency plans for you, your dependents, and pets should return flights be grounded or re-routed? Areas of special attention include back-up caregiver responsibilities and access to required medical services and medications.

If you are or may be flying MAC/CRAF flights

• Have you and your family members discussed prior MAC/CRAF experiences, positive and negative, that need to be considered now? If you don't have prior experience, anticipate what may be the highs and lows for you and your family members. Develop contingency plans to minimize these difficulties. Plan to meet as a family periodically to check in on one another emotionally and adjust planning.
  
• If you are on the MAC/CRAF list, are you physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for MAC/CRAF flying?