Deployment

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.

miamiflteam

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 some type of 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 aide 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.