This page is for those who go on deployment.  Below is advice given from people previously deployed.  Deployment is a critical part of H.E.A.R.T. though not a requirement.  People are signed up on the deployment list as they are able to go.  Flexibility is available; you can sign up strictly for summer months, etc.  The deployment list is in continual flux. 

Advise from our volunteers who traveled to Miami, Oklahoma to help out as flood waters receded.

            Supplies

            Good socks, tall socks, and lots of them

                        Ski socks, something that can wick the moisture away

            Bring a towel

                        You may have to sleep on site, but usually there will be a

                        shower available

            Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc

What ever over the counter medication you are used to taking.  Chance are you are not going to have a chance to go the the store for headache medication.

            Mole Skin

                        You are going to get blisters, come prepared

            Mosquito Repellant

            Hand wipes

            BDU’s at least two pairs

A washing machine may not be handy and at the end of a couple of days your BDU’s may be able to walk themselves home

            Day pack

Bring something smaller to carry daily supplies in.  You won’t be able to lug your suitcase everywhere and you will want something larger than a purse to bring extra socks, water, medication, etc to the site

            First aid Kit

            Water bottle

            Credit card with space

You will be reimbursed, but often it won’t be at that instance, so come prepared

            Everything Else

·        Come with a can-do attitude.  This is not going to be easy, it is a disaster area.  Things may not be ran as well as you think they should be, unfortunately, you are there to assist, not run the show.  Help in the most areas you can and realize, eventually, it will all come together.

·        Make sure you are keeping up on communication.  Both within the group and back home.  Cell phones are very important.  If you have one you really should bring it and use it.  Sometimes the group may be split up and cell phones are an excellent way to stay in communication with one another.

·        You are going to break down, realize it, accept it, and don’t view it as a failure.  Everyone breaks down and it helps to just let it happen.

·        Accept everyone’s weaknesses and strengths.  There are going to be a lot of alpha personalities and you have to work together.  Realize your own strengths and weaknesses and use that to your advantage.

·        Days are longer than you think, prepare for that.

·        If you have a chance before you go look up the area you are going to.  Especially noteworthy is the zoonotic diseases.  Know what animals generally carry there and what you have to worry about. 

Advise from National Volunteers Across the Nation

Things generally forgotten and very helpful to bring

• A small pair of wire cutters to cut zip ties off cages etc
• Lip balm
• Tiny tv/radio that can run off car batteries or rechargeable batteries; can feel isolated from the world rather fast
• Shower flip-flops
• Prepare for any type of weather: sweatshirt and tee shirts
• Space emergency blanket, excellent for animals or used inside a sleeping bag
• Mosquito netting, well worth it if you have to sleep outside

IFAW Suggested Ready Bag

Basics

• compass with mirror
• note pad and pencils
• Sharpie-type marker 
• flagging tape
• headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries, spare bulb
• eye protection
• sunscreen and/or insect repellant
• whistle
• nylon rope (20’ of 7mm)

• map(s)
• large transparent bag for map(s)
• GPS with extra batteries
• flashlight(s)

Survival

• toilet paper in ziploc
• multitool (e.g., Leatherman)
• good sheath knife or hatchet
• waterproof matches
• fire starter (paraffin-soaked sawdust or dryer lint works)
• water purification tablets
• space blanket
• candles
• bear spray and/or bear bangers
• flares
• duct tape
• safety pins
• large orange garbage bag
• $2.00 in change

Food (you may want to stock foods that do not require a stove – MREs)
High carbohydrate, high calorie foods are recommended, as are lots of munchies and snacks.

• water bottles (about 2L capacity)
• trail mix
• instant oatmeal
• energy bars
• prepared meals (e.g., IMPs, MREs or Hotpacks, so a stove isn't necessary)
• soup mix, dehydrated meals
• stove and fuel
• cooking pot
• knife, fork & spoon
• powdered drink
• fruit leather

Shelter

• tarpaulin, tube tent, or space blanket
• sleeping bag or bivouac sac
• thermorest or ensolite pad
• parachute cord (50’)
• spare stuff sacks

First aid kit

• A good quality Outdoorsman model

Personal

• personal medication; tell team members about relevant medical conditions!

• toothbrush and toothpaste
• waterless hand cleaner
• hand sanitizer
• hairbrush or comb
• razor
• deodorant
• tampons or sanitary pads (with ziplocs for packing out used ones)

Clothing
Synthetic materials are generally superior to natural fibers.  Clothes packed by season.

• fluorescent baseball cap
• Tilley-type hat for protection against rain and sun
• bug hat
• sunglasses
• spare eyeglasses
• long-sleeve shirt
• yellow T-shirt
• rain jacket/pants
• thin leather gloves (especially for rope team members)
• underwear
• cargo pants
• ** jeans are strongly discouraged because they absorb so much water
• socks, thin and thick (at least 2 sets)
• gaiters
• waterproof hiking boots