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Disaster Relief Packing List

Disaster relief workers offer help in times of need throughout the world after natural disasters. Duties include searching for stranded people, providing medical attention, cooking meals and cleaning up debris. It essential relief workers pack the proper necessities for their trip as many disaster areas offer little resources.

  1. Important Documentation

    • Relief works need to have documents to prove their identity, medical training and medical insurance coverage. Documents a relief worker should pack are all medical insurance cards, driver's license, passport, professional licenses, organization identification cards, medical training identification and car insurance information. It is advised to bring a traveler's wallet that can be secured to your person and carried with you at all times especially in foreign countries.

    Medical Supplies

    • A personal medical supply kit will allow you to treat any injuries, allergies or discomforts during your time away. You will likely have limited access to any medical supplies due to all the necessary resources being used on the victims of the disaster. Your medical kit should contain pain relievers, bug repellent, sunscreen, allergy medicine, first aid items, anti-diarrhea, hydrocortisone antacids, eye drops and all necessary prescriptions. A small waist pack is an ideal carrying solution for your kit as long as you remove all the items from its packaging to reduce the size.

    Clothing

    • Proper clothing will keep your comfortable and safe during in a disaster relief situation. You should include a variety of garments to be worn during your working shifts and time of relaxation. Necessary clothing include long pants, long sleeve shirts, T-shirts, shorts, socks, rain gear, undergarments and a hat. Pack according to the climate including winter gear or hot climate gear as necessary.

    Sleeping Gear

    • Disaster relief organizations provide basic accommodations for their workers so it is often necessary to bring some sleeping gear. A sleeping bag, bed roll, pillow, cot or inflatable mattress will make your sleeping atmosphere more comfortable and provide better rest.

    Working Gear

    • It is essential that you bring all necessary gear that will be used while working on your relief mission. Disaster areas will often have little or no resources to obtain gear such as flashlights, boots, two-way radio, knife and hard hat. Some agencies provide gear to relief workers, but it is best to be prepared.

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