Tips for Family Members of First Responders

Per the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), first responders and other frontline employees have very different circumstances than the rest of the public during times of distress. They often can’t social distance or work from home during circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. When it’s time for our frontline employees to leave home to protect the public on the border, at the airport, and other federal buildings across the country, the community in general; their spouses and partners step up to take care of everything else. Our first responder families need our support to remain resilient. The Austin, Texas Fire Department has provided their top 10 ways first responder couples and families can make the most out of these current times. 

THE TOP 10 WAYS FIRST RESPONDER COUPLES AND FAMILIES CAN MAKE THE MOST OUT OF COVID-19:

1. TAKE THE QUARREL OUT OF QUARANTINE

Whatever words you use, make sure you set your intention, write it down, and communicate it to your partner.

2. ROUTINES: WASHING YOUR “METAPHORICAL” HANDS

Take some time to sit down, think and talk about what you both need, and what each of you can do to communicate that to the other.

3. ISOLATE RESPONSIBLY

It’s important to remember that right now, there are a lot of fears and unanswered questions about what is going on in the world...so don’t block each other out.

4. SOCIAL MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY HYGIENE

The most effective way to reduce the anxiety caused by all of this is simple: Limit the amount of time you spend on social media; this also includes mindless scrolling.

5. PRIORITIZE WHILE YOU SANITIZE

Be careful about what you obsess over.

6. COMMUNICATE FLEXIBLY AND EFFECTIVELY

Schedule time to talk to each other and set a timer so you can stick to it.

7. SET AND RESPECT BOUNDARIES LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT

Use “I-statements” to communicate your needs and set expectations in all of your relationships.

8. STILL HAVE EACH OTHER'S "6"

When this happens (because it very likely will), approach each other wanting to know more, willing to express your concerns, and ultimately, ending this discussion with a commitment to support one another.

9. BE THE ROLE MODEL YOUR KIDS NEED YOU TO BE

If they see you respect the circumstances and be proactive in dealing with them, they likely will follow in your footsteps.

10. GOOD, CLEAN FUN

Facing adversity with an optimistic attitude, a dedication to flexibility, a willingness to participate, and a healthy dose of imagination will help you above and beyond your medicine cabinet and supply of cleaning products.