When you are aiding in cleanup after a disaster assume nothing will be provided for you to use. Bring as much of your own equipment as possible.
What to Bring:
Number one: A positive attitude, a sense of humor and patience. This work will be hot and dirty and your muscles will ache but your spirits will soar as you serve others.
· Axes.
· Boots. Bring all you have to share.
· Brooms: especially push brooms.
· Buckets.
· Chainsaw with fuel.
· Clothes pins and rope for drying papers, photos, rags and clothing.*
· Disinfectants: Bleach and clean water and buckets to mix them or a commercial disinfectant.
· Dremel type tool for cutting dry wall.
· Fire extinguishers.
· First aid kits.
· Folding chairs. You will need breaks and so will the survivors.
· Folding tables. To sort and to hold equipment and tools.
· Goggles.
· Hard hats.
· Insect repellant.
· Gloves medical: For delicate tasks.
· Gloves, rubber: For wet cleanup
· Gloves, work. Bring extra and people forget these. They will also get coated with mud and become of less use.
· N95 masks: purchase at pharmacy stores.
· Notebook and pens: for inventory, make lists of items needed or to leave notes for those coming to check on you, including first responders.
· Paper towels and rags.
· Plastic bags: small resealable
· Plastic bags: large trash
· Pitch forks
· Port-a-potty and TP
· Radio: it’s good to stay informed.
· Rope.
· Shade structures such as patio umbrellas and dining tents.
· Shovels: Flat are best.
· Socks: wet socks should be changed often.
· Sunglasses.
· Sunscreen.
· Tarps: good for covering salvaged items and to haul debris.
· Tool kits.
· Water, lunch and snacks for yourself and to share.
· Water for cleaning.
· Wet wipes: for when you take a break to eat or just to freshen up.
· Wheelbarrow.
*More information about cleanup can be found in your Totally Ready Emergency Binder. If you do not already own one they can be found on the Totally Ready "shop" page.