Five Ways USAGov Can Help Your Family Connect in 2019

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Dec 18, 2018, 10:38 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Between the food and fun this holiday season, you might find time to make some New Year's resolutions. Instead of just resolving to do better at dieting or exercising, consider going beyond the standard resolutions. For 2019, set goals to create an emergency plan, protect your credit, and expand your family knowledge and time together. Here are five suggestions from USAGov for you and your family to explore throughout the year:

1. Enjoy recreational Family Fun - Getting your family outdoors and active is a great way to be together and drop a few pounds. The National Park System offers places to hike, camp, and fish. And it manages historic landmarks to visit. There are places to see in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. You can get an annual park pass and start new family adventures.

2. Learn About America Together - Explore how to fly the American flag, write your elected officials, or research founding documents. You can also learn the meaning of military medals, voting terms, the acronym SCOTUS, and national holidays. You can even find information on the three branches of government and state capitals. Now you're ready to help your child with their homework!

3. Create an Emergency Family Plan - In an emergency or disaster, having a plan can help guide your family through a stressful situation. When making your plan, be sure to include ways to let out of town family know you're safe. Build a family emergency kit and include medical items, important personal documents, and necessities for your pets.

4. Protect Yourself from Scams - With the upcoming tax season, IRS scams will soon be on the rise. Learn about the variety of scams that are going around and how to report them. It can help you protect your wallet, home, elderly parents, and family identification before the scammers get you.

5. Trace Your Roots - It seems everyone is researching their family tree. Now you can travel back in time to discover your background--for free. Start with the archival online databases from the National Archives, Library of Congress, and the U.S. Census Bureau. You can also find a free database from the Ellis Island Foundation and get a guide to tracing Native American ancestry.

Explore USAGov to learn more about the government programs and services that can help make your new year better. Call toll-free 1-844-USA-GOV1 (1-844-872-4681), chat online, or ask a question on Facebook or Twitter.

USAGov wishes you and your family a very happy 2019!

USAGov is a federal program that guides you to tips and tools in English and in Spanish from hundreds of government agencies, departments, and programs. We make it easier for you to find answers you can trust about government information and services online or by phone.

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