ChurchSafety

It's hard to comprehend the chaos left behind by a major catastrophe. Disaster relief teams often have to work in an environment where safe water, food, and electricity do not exist. Following a few simple tips will go a long way to ensuring that your disaster relief team is ready to tackle the hazards ahead.

Buddy up. Always work through an organization that has experience with disaster relief, such as the American Red Cross or a denominational program. This prevents overlapping assistance, gets to people who might be missed, and increases efficiency.

Be ready to 'rough it.' Don't expect anyone to host you. This means taking your own water, food, and shelter. You may even need a generator for electrical power.

Be safe, not sorry. Thoroughly train volunteers about safety measures they should follow in a disaster relief situation. This could include everything from using a chainsaw properly to purifying drinking water. The American Red Cross and many other relief organizations offer training courses for volunteers.

Dress for success. You'll need sturdy work shoes—not sneakers—to avoid puncture wounds and twisted ankles when walking over debris. Take a couple of pairs of work gloves, plus disposable facemasks. Bandanas can serve as facemasks or as cooling headbands when dipped in water.

Take the right tools. For floods, you'll need flat shovels, buckets, mops, and rags. After tornadoes or hurricanes, you'll need chain saws, rakes, and brooms. Following earthquakes you'll need shovels, crowbars, and picks. For all disasters, take a basic tool set with hammer, pliers, socket set, and screwdrivers. Also take an electrical tester and a fire extinguisher. If you have room, take a wheelbarrow or containers to carry debris.

Identify yourself. Before leaving home, contact the organization with which you plan to work. Ask for a vehicle decal and personal identification that identifies you as a part of the relief effort. Often, only authorized personnel are allowed to enter disaster areas.

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