They sell clothes at Target??

So I got the call last night, I am to be deployed to Baton Rouge, LA on Wednesday morning at 7am. I will be living in a group shelter on a cot, with at this point, no electricity, or cooling. I had all of 2 things on the list they told me to pack...which made me realize just how ill-prepared I am for an actual emergency.

Here is the list they asked me to bring:
CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR HURRICANE KATRINA DRO 9/2/05


Conditions in all areas of assignment for DR 865, 871 and 009 are horrendous. Staff assigned to these operations should attempt to pack using back packs or duffle bags to ensure the staff member can carry their own gear repeatedly. Staff shelters and assignments are fluid. Staff MUST understand the extreme hardship conditions on these two disaster relief operations and ensure they are personally prepared to care for themselves and to remain safe and healthy. There is, and will be, NO electricity, thus NO air conditioning, no potable water, very limited cell phone coverage, and no hard line coverage. If lucky enough to be in a hotel, you must be able to carry your gear, as elevators may not work. Due to these conditions, very few stores and restaurants are open and those that are, have not been re-supplied. We must avoid staff becoming victims due to their lack of preparation for these assignments. Staff arriving prepared for their personal care and safety will ensure the limited quantities of supplies are available for the victims.

Staff members currently assigned to the operations recommend the following items and suggest packing them in zip lock bags:
Flashlight and batteries, and extra batteries
Personal First Aid Kit
Sturdy, closed, water proof shoes or hiking boots (there are snakes, contaminated water, etc.)
Personal food and snacks not requiring refrigeration
Water (1-2 day supply)
Glasses, rather than contacts
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer/wipes
Sunscreen, sun glasses and a hat (preferably one that covers the ears)
Bedding and Linens---something to sleep on (sleeping bag, air mattress, sheets) and towels and wash cloths, etc.
Over the counter medications to include Anti-diarrheal, antacids and pain/headache medications as well as any current prescription medications (3 weeks worth)
Soap and toiletries (including toilet paper)
Very light colored, light weight clothing
One large, super tough garbage bag to triple as a suitcase, laundry bag, trash bag and/or poncho, etc, etc.

To ensure staff are able to obtain these items, effective at 10:30 am today (9/1/05), $900.00 is being loaded on Disaster Staff Cards with the extra funds ($150) to be used for the above preparation so that staff assigned arrive healthy and prepared and stay that way throughout their assignment.


Although not required, it is strongly suggested assigned staff update their tetanus shot (within the last 10 years) before leaving.
It is also recommended that staff obtain a Hepatitis A (HepA) shot before deployment.


I went to Target to get prepared and discovered aisles I had no idea even existed. I had a ton of fun looking at all sorts of fancy devices designed to make roughing it, not so rough. Who knew you could wash your clothes with no water. I now am the proud owner of a duffel bag. (Stop laughing) I wonder if they make a matching purse or pair of hiking boots... ;-).

I think I have enough Purel to sanitize the entire city of New Orleans. I also purchased medication for every possible ailment I could possibly have. I am afraid the airport security people may think I am an Over-The-Counter drug dealer. All-in-all I spent around 250 bucks. I am beginning to wonder if maybe I should have just sent them the money ;-). I picked out a pair of sunglasses that were not worth more than all the contents in my suitcase (which all of the ones I currently owned were) and then my last stop was to buy some light weight pants and shorts that I could afford to have ruined. I was actually impressed with the selection...Target has some pretty cute clothes...who knew?

So now here I sit...packed and ready to go. I had to laugh becuase it took a Category 5 natural disaster to get me to finally use the bright orange fanny pack that we were given as a corporate Christmast gift 4 years ago. While I know it seems like I am making a big deal of me going to help these people, when their situation is the what is the big deal, for me this is new. I am not used to doing things alone, I am a social animal. I am not used to rough conditions, unless you count hotels that dont have room service. I know I joke a lot, but I can handle it, I have no doubt of that. I just want to make sure that throughout my life, I continue to always push. And for me, this was a big one.