Post Disaster Response Thoughts

This is super delayed....but while unpacking all of my stuff when I got home, I was reminded of some of the things that I packed that really came in handy, as well as the things that I didn't pack and severely missed while I was away. I figured I would share some of those things so that if you do ever respond to a disaster then you can have an idea of what to pack. You can also use some of these ideas for a 72 hour kits, Bug Out Bag (BOB), or a Go Bag. It is nowhere near a complete list, but will hopefully be a good start or reminder.

To start with, I have to say that as a Red Cross volunteer, or any disaster response volunteer, you need to plan on packing heavy. Like, really heavy. Pack anything and everything that you might even think about needing while away from home. If you use it regularly, or might use it in the next couple of weeks, take it. You need to always keep in mind that if you can't take care of yourself and function on your own, there is no way that you will be able to help the people that need you. Your first priority will always be your own well being and then the well being of those around you. Point being, pack heavy.

Important things that I did pack that I would absolutely pack again:

1. Clothing for the Climate. Obviously you need to pack clothes for any trip, but it is so important as a volunteer to be prepared for any and all weather conditions. If there is any chance of snow, freezing temperatures, or just cold weather, plan accordingly. I didn't know when I left that I would spend two 12 hour days out in the cold cleaning cots. When I was given that assignment, I was so grateful for the 3 jackets, beanie, gloves, and long sleeved shirts that I had packed. Don't assume that you will be inside all day every day. Be prepared with clothing for any assignment in the area.
2. Clothing for Events. Not everyone is a church goer like me, but I packed a skirt and shirt that I could wear to church, the temple, and any other event that may come up which required nicer clothing. Whether you are going to church or out on the town, pack some nicer clothes that you will look and feel good in. You never know when you will need them. 
3. Chap-stick. We all know that in all reality you shouldn't ever, like never ever, leave anywhere without Chap-stick  but it is especially important for moments after a disaster. Nothing is more miserable than chapped lips when you are busy trying to get things done and help others. You also don't know how often you will be able to stop somewhere to get chap-stick. The same thing applies to lotion.
4. Cash. This is absolutely necessary. The amount that you should have will vary depending on where you are going, what disaster occurred, and what your assignment is. The recommendation that is consistent with this is to carry small bills. Absolutely nothing bigger than a 20, but preferably 5's and 1's. I found it super helpful to have $1 coins because they were easy to grab out of a pocket in my jeans or bag. Also, store your cash in at least 2 different places but always have a last some of it on your person at all times. 
5. Camera/Journal. You will have experiences and meet people that you would not anywhere else. Be your own Public Information Officer and record all the information that you can for your own records and to share with people back home. They will appreciate it. Because my phone has the ability to take pictures and post them to my blog it became my primary picture taking and journaling device and literally saved my life sometimes. I was so glad that I had it as proof of my adventures when I finally made it home and realized how much those 2 weeks felt like a dream.
6. Something to Help You De-stress at the End of the Day. Bring something that you can make in to a routine that will give you a sense of control over your life and that will help you de-stress. The more of a routine that you are able to develop, the better. I brought scriptures and music. I didn't usually have a ton of time to read or listen to music, but even a few minutes before bed each night helped me bring everything in to focus, sleep better, and continue to function. Another example: one Jackie brought a yoga mat and she would do yoga in the room below us each morning. 
7. The IV Line. Just about everyone, if not everyone, has some kind of food or drink that they need in order to get through the day. Many drink Coke, others choose Pepsi, and some need to down an energy drink or coffee to survive. I chew gum and spit sunflower seeds. It isn't a NEED, but it was nice to have when I am driving or working night shifts. If you can pack it, bring it. If you can't pack it, but you know you will need it, plan ahead of time so you know when and where to get it while deployed.
8. Phone/GPS. If you don't have a phone, it is worth getting one at least for the trip. If you don't have a phone with a GPS, find a map of the area to take with you. Almost every time that I left my hotel in Manhattan I pulled out my GPS to find my way somewhere, or to find my way back. Without it I would have been in a lot of trouble and horribly lost. 
9. Important Documents
1. Personal Documents. Whenever I leave on a cross country trip I have made a copy of my drivers license and any debit/credit/insurance/other cards that I took with me. If I lost any of them, there was always a backup at home that I could have sent over to me. Always leave a copy at home, but it might be a good idea to bring a copy with you and pack it somewhere super random so nobody accidentally finds them.
2. Reference Information It was recommended to me that I take a condensed folder with me on all Red Cross assignments that had reference information that I had received in training for shelters, client casework, First Aid/AED/CPR, and the orientation for the disaster response. This is something that I didn't use a lot while I was out there, but I did refer to it now and again and I definitely see the importance of having it available. I also kept the documents that they gave me at orientation when I got there, which included information on how to take the subway and how to hail a cab. 
10. An Awesome Bag. My burton bag held everything that I needed and then some. It was super convenient to be able to grab it and go and had pockets for just about everything.

Important things that I did not pack, that I would not leave home without next time:

1. Sleeping Bag. It was a sad sad moment when I found out that I would be sleeping on a cot and all that I brought was one fleece blanket. I can not tell you what I would have given to have a sleeping bag to stay warm and to cushion the cot a little bit. Actually, I can tell you. I probably would have given my left hand at the time. That is how important it is to pack a sleeping bag. It is worth the space that it would take in your suitcase to be able to sleep at night so you can function during the day. 
2. Pillow. This was the other half of the sad sad moment when I found out that I would be sleeping on a cot. I didn't think it would be a huge deal to not have a pillow because I could just use my hoodie or an extra blanket from the Red Cross. But the difference that it made when I finally got a pillow was huge! I will never forget a pillow again, and neither will you.
3. Cold Prevention and Treatment. Do not ever leave on a disaster response assignment without taking some kind of Vitamin C booster. Whether it is airborne, emergen-C, or some other supplement, it is worth the investment to keep your immune system up and running. This goes back to the "you can't help others if you can't help yourself" idea. It is also important to bring medicine just in case you do catch something while you are deployed. When I started to feel sick I went to the Walgreens (in Time Square!) and loaded up on medicine, cold-eeze, 2 bottles of naked fruit juice, and a big container of mixed fruit. I downed all of it in 1 night and I definitely believe it helped me avoid getting more sick, which I am extremely grateful for. But we all know that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Tylenol and tissues will also come in handy on any disaster response. 
4. A Really Good Flashlight. The flashlight that I meant to pack ended up falling off of my bag and under my dresser. I searched for it frantically for it while I was deployed but didn't find it until I got home. Thankfully I had a flashlight on my phone, but boy did I miss the one that was sitting under my dresser for two weeks.
5. Toiletries Bag. I ended up sleeping in the staff shelter where all of the girls shared one bathroom with 2 bathroom stalls, 2 showers, 2 sinks and no outlets. Because of the lack of space we were sometimes leaning over one another to get to the sinks or share the mirror, and there was often a line for the shower. (nothing that I wasn't used to already being the 10th of 16 children) Your life will be easier if you have EVERYTHING that you take to the bathroom to get ready for the day or for bed in one bag that you can just grab and go.

I hope that this will be helpful for someone sometime! I know that I will definitely follow my own advice next time I am deployed with the Red Cross. 

Keep an eye out for my next post about how to get involved!