While reflecting on a hurricane deployment, I reminded myself of the living conditions that were challenging for some volunteers that responded in the aftermath of the destruction.

The living quarters above were where we slept on cots inside a tent. There were no heaters and it was freezing outside.

Some volunteers were extremely challenged by the living conditions, and it made for a difficult few week for them. I share this with you all because, not every deployment will you have the opportunity to sleep in a hotel and have hot water for a shower and heat and a warm breakfast.

Eventually, portable showers came, but not everyone was used to conserving water, and thus, the water that was available, wasn’t warm at all!

It is important to remember that many of us want to be able to support communities after disasters, but are we prepared for what that looks like for us?

Can you handle not showering for days? Can you be self-sufficient and bring items that are compactable and multipurpose?

There have been so many volunteers that have come to support but end up needing support due to unrealistic expectations.

Let me be VERY clear, I am not dismissing the support or willingness of people to provide care after a disaster, I am just asking you all to consider being outside of your comfort zone.

You will not always have access to hot water, electricity, and heat. You may not have working equipment to provide immediate care, so can you rely on your assessment skills?

My call to action is for everyone to consider what they would bring/pack if you were going to be deploying after a hurricane struck an island.

I am happy to share my packing lists and items that I bring with me to keep me self-reliant on various types of disaster responses, but I would love to hear from you all on items you would bring with you.

#adventureswithnursejamla