LEO's and Emergency Workers need their full attention on
their job, but they could be distracted by problems at home.
A moment's inattention could cost lives, maybe their own.
Men, who endure long commutes, might also fit this profile.
This is a common sub-plot for most disaster or emergency
scripts, with good reason; it is true to life.
Mutual support of several families could lessen the above
impacts. Plan to have these families self-sustaining, even
when every head of household is absent.
Training for women and older children turns dependents into
problem solvers; and trained family members will be less likely
to panic.
Part of that training, needs to be psych training. Each needs
training on how not to over-react to a situation; how not to
commit the group or family, by over reaction.
People can perform perfectly, in a calm situation, but when
adrenaline flows, they can react quite differently.
This "panic" is a worn out device in movies, but it is not rare in
actual human behavior. In fact, from my personal experience, I
expect "panic" or poor performance rather than the usual
performance. To some extent, sports or realistic exercises
can train one to deal with various mental states.
When the male head of household is present, the others
should not drop ( or heap) all tasks on him. And he must be
ready to accept the help. How many times has the story
been told of the male driver not admitting he is lost, even
when the female expresses concern?
Why not have the female be the navigator?
The kids could look for road signs or remnants thereof.
