I am from the Biloxi area and i would like to say that even if it is not seen or shown by many of the people that you will be helping, your service IS appreciated. During the confusion and devestation this storm caused the coast many people are too preoccupied with thier own losses. THanks again , its WONDERFUL to see people banding together like this to help.
Some additional things that i would suggest you bring..
- Sweat towels (the humidity down here is hellacious)
- Some type of identification (nametags) to help let people know 1. your form out of town and 2. you are REALY helping.
- Insect repellent. I know it seems a minor thing to have, but you'd be surprised how much you'll appreciate not swatting bugs with drity sweaty hands.
- Definately have water for each site you have people. Last time i was in Biloxi water was not a scarcity so you might be able to get away with getting it in town.
- Flashlights/Propane lantern maybe. Even with power restored you never know how late you might be at the job(sometimes you just dont wanna quit).
- Waterproof/Steeltoed shoes are a definate bonus too. There is debris everywhere and (not sure to date) there were some spots where sewage was free flowing.
- Of course you need the tools to do the job, but you should know what you need for that.
- Team/Project leaders (if divided groups) will help to keep things on task and give you a central person to answer other's questions (better to have all the asnswers come from the same mouth)
- Communication equipment? Cell phones are working in the area again, however there are times of congestion where it is hard to get a call through, CB/WalkieTalkies will make this alot easier for you and save on the congestion of others on their phones.
- Identical MAPS of the area you decide to goto. Mark relavent places for everyone to see. I have seen a few insurance adjusters lost and confused without too much but a piece of paper with crappy directions. Know your area and mark Useable roads for later reference.
- Bug-B-Gone?...though it is getting better there is a HORRIBLE lovebug (if you know what they are) problem that has been going on down here..having something strong to clean teh crud off of windshieds to be able to see will he a great thing. I have had to stop and clean my winshield 3 times for a 100 mile round trip.
- A renewal of yoru Tetnus shots might not be a bad idea (and this is from one who HATES shots) rusty nails and other things are all over!
- Finally....a head full of patience. Things are ALOT better than a few weeks ago, but you know there has been alot of stress in the area.
Another few tips maybe..
- stay away from soda...just make you more thirsty and doesnt help rehydrate the body too well.
- dont be ashamed to take breaks. heat stroke/exaustion is a BxTCH. If you feel dizzy or sick..get to the shade stay hydrated.
- keep your feet dry
I really cant think of much else that i havent seen already. I hope that my input is usefull and i have given you a few things that other people have forgotten
THANKS AGAIN for ALl that you have done and plan to do its great to see people comming together
Slashdot Mirror
I am from the Biloxi area and i would like to say that even if it is not seen or shown by many of the people that you will be helping, your service IS appreciated. During the confusion and devestation this storm caused the coast many people are too preoccupied with thier own losses. THanks again , its WONDERFUL to see people banding together like this to help. Some additional things that i would suggest you bring.. - Sweat towels (the humidity down here is hellacious) - Some type of identification (nametags) to help let people know 1. your form out of town and 2. you are REALY helping. - Insect repellent. I know it seems a minor thing to have, but you'd be surprised how much you'll appreciate not swatting bugs with drity sweaty hands. - Definately have water for each site you have people. Last time i was in Biloxi water was not a scarcity so you might be able to get away with getting it in town. - Flashlights/Propane lantern maybe. Even with power restored you never know how late you might be at the job(sometimes you just dont wanna quit). - Waterproof/Steeltoed shoes are a definate bonus too. There is debris everywhere and (not sure to date) there were some spots where sewage was free flowing. - Of course you need the tools to do the job, but you should know what you need for that. - Team/Project leaders (if divided groups) will help to keep things on task and give you a central person to answer other's questions (better to have all the asnswers come from the same mouth) - Communication equipment? Cell phones are working in the area again, however there are times of congestion where it is hard to get a call through, CB/WalkieTalkies will make this alot easier for you and save on the congestion of others on their phones. - Identical MAPS of the area you decide to goto. Mark relavent places for everyone to see. I have seen a few insurance adjusters lost and confused without too much but a piece of paper with crappy directions. Know your area and mark Useable roads for later reference. - Bug-B-Gone?...though it is getting better there is a HORRIBLE lovebug (if you know what they are) problem that has been going on down here..having something strong to clean teh crud off of windshieds to be able to see will he a great thing. I have had to stop and clean my winshield 3 times for a 100 mile round trip. - A renewal of yoru Tetnus shots might not be a bad idea (and this is from one who HATES shots) rusty nails and other things are all over! - Finally....a head full of patience. Things are ALOT better than a few weeks ago, but you know there has been alot of stress in the area. Another few tips maybe.. - stay away from soda...just make you more thirsty and doesnt help rehydrate the body too well. - dont be ashamed to take breaks. heat stroke/exaustion is a BxTCH. If you feel dizzy or sick..get to the shade stay hydrated. - keep your feet dry I really cant think of much else that i havent seen already. I hope that my input is usefull and i have given you a few things that other people have forgotten THANKS AGAIN for ALl that you have done and plan to do its great to see people comming together