Pre-Deployment Checklists

Military families face many unique challenges, but deployment and other work-related separations are often the most disruptive.

The following are checklists to assist with preparing for the unexpected as well as the routine aspects of daily life during a deployment or work-related absence. This information should be shared with whoever is managing the military Member’s affairs during the absence.

If you are the parent of a military member and you have Power of Attorney for your child, make sure you have the following information to ensure you can manage their affairs when they are away. The more details you have, the easier it will be to make sure you follow their wishes.

Important Information to have
- Mailing information for deployment, including address, Member’s rank, unit, and Service Number
- What items can be sent and where can they be sent from
- Phone number for deployment updates
- Create purse or wallet card with the name/rank of Member, number for the duty padre and number for alternate childcare in case of emergency
- Ensure Member has registered with local MFRC Deployment and Absence Services
- Make a list of passwords for electronic devices
- Ensure recovery information for email and phone accounts is accurate and up-to-date
- Know how to reach the Member in an emergency
Important Numbers
- Family Information Line (24/7) 1-800-866-4546
- Local MFRC
- Family Doctor
- Family Dentist
- Emergency Rooms
- Walk in Clinics
- Duty Padre
Medical
- Ensure all family members have an up-to-date Provincial Healthcare Card
- Ensure all family members are up to date with immunizations
- Secure copies of the health and dental records of family members
- Have Member pre-sign health claim forms for Canada Life
- Have Member contact Canada Life to confirm direct deposit information and give spouse permission to contact on his or her behalf
- Print a copy of Canada Life Benefit Cards
Finances
- The Member needs to contact the bank, utilities, phone, insurance and credit card companies to ensure the spouse can communicate on his or her behalf
- Have a copy of all account numbers and banking information, both joint and in Member’s name
- Ensure Member has given permission and passcode for military pay issues to be discussed with the spouse in his or her absence
- Review Member’s current life insurance policy with SISIP and consider doing the same with the spouse’s policy
- Safety Deposit Box: location and key information
- Create a deployment budget
- Make a list of banking and bill access PIN’s, logins and passwords
- Set up pay allotments (if required)
- Consider setting up payment plans for recurring monthly charges such as rent/mortgage, phone and utilities
- Know when property taxes are due and how to pay them
Vehicle/Transportation
- Secure contact information for any financing companies
- Know when registration comes due (if vehicle is in the Member’s name, a Power of Attorney may be required to renew)
- Ensure spouse at home has permission to contact insurance company, and the number to submit claims
- Consider a roadside assistance plan and/or find a reputable mechanic to call in case of an emergency
- Vehicle owner’s Driver’s License information may be required for certain transactions
- Maintenance and Service Records and when services are due
- Vehicle Storage and Storage Insurance (if applicable)
Housing
- Map location of electrical box (breaker) and water and gas control valves
- Make duplicate keys to give to trusted family or friends in case of loss
- Oil or wood fuel? Plan for deliveries
- Check all smoke detectors/furnace filters/general maintenance items
- Are you in the midst of a posting? Ensure Brookfield has been contacted in order to provide communication to your spouse in your absence
- Snow removal and/or lawn care? Consider upcoming season changes and whether spouse at home will need assistance. Contact friends, neighbors or reputable local businesses
Important Numbers
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Housing/landlord if applicable
- Security company
- Home insurance company
- Warranty contact information (if applicable)
- Other
Legal/Admin
- Power of Attorney (ensure it is not expired and valid for the current province)
- Birth certificates for all family members. Note that long form birth certificates may be required in some situations
- Marriage certificate or common law designation if applicable
- Update wills
- A Family Care Plan is a mandatory Department of National Defence form that prepares families of Canadian Armed Forces Members to be taken care of in case of unforeseen events, emergency callouts and planned deployment. For a copy of the "Form DND 2886, Family Care Plan (FCP) Declaration", please contact your orderly room
- Passports for all family members and notarized letter from member allowing spouse to travel with children
- Acquire Military Family ID cards for all family members over 13 (Member must be present)
- Check that your Next of Kin Form is correct and up to date (DND 2587)
- Ensure life insurance beneficiaries are up to date
- Make a list of all important documents and where they are located
- Bank and investment Power of Attorney
- Check on Supplementary Death Benefits
For Specific Child Related Concerns
- Make a list of Child's Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Childcare Plan
- Childcare information
- Requirements for travel abroad with children when one parent is absent
- Relevant school information
- Relevant extra-curricular information
- Medical information
- Inform children’s daycare or school teachers about the deployment
- Provide updated family contact information to the school or daycare
- Go to your local MFRC for deployment journals, books and resources for children during the transition
If you are leaving your pets with someone
- Microchip/Tattoo number
- Registration number
- Feeding information
- Veterinary information
- Medical information
- Routines
If You Are Single and Deploying
- Make arrangements for a property manager, friend or family member to check in on your home while you are away. Most insurance companies require this in order to maintain insurance coverage
- Register with the local MFRC to ensure loved ones such as parents or close friends receive contact during your absence. MFRC’s ensure someone checks in on your loved ones regardless of their location.
- Ensure loved ones know your contact information.
- Is your civilian passport up to date? A civilian passport is often required for any travelling you might do on your HLTA.
- Have you made alternate arrangements for any children you have custody or joint/shared custody of?
- Consider giving their care provider this list and having the local MFRC check in with them.
- Ensure insurance and registrations on home or vehicles will not expire during absence.
- Forward mail to an alternate address. Cancel newspapers and place a “No Flyers” sign on your front door or mailbox.
- Make contact arrangements for the bank/credit card company/landlord, etc during absence.
- Check that your Next of Kin Form is correct and up to date (DND 2587)
- Ensure life insurance beneficiaries are up to date
- Make a list of all important documents and where they are located
- Bank and investment Power of Attorney
- Check on Supplementary Death Benefits
- Make appropriate accommodation arrangements for your pets.

Pre-Deployment Checklists

Lorem ipsum extoris bargon est prima

Welcome! Select your community