Traveling with care

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Medical and safety precautions

Special Precautions for Evacuees Returning Home to Gulf States Recovery Areas

  • Municipal services may be severely limited or non-existent.
  • Bring enough FOOD and WATER to last several days.
  • Police, fire and EMS services may not have returned to pre-hurricane levels - BE CAREFUL.
  • ALWAYS carry identification and proof of residency with you.
  • Some areas are still under military and law enforcement jurisdiction - follow all instructions.
  • Remember that hurricane season lasts through October - come prepared.
  • Rapid flooding may occur due to already damaged storm drainage systems.
  • Check daily on area curfews.

FEMA Registration of Returning Evacuees

If you have not done so, immediately register with FEMA for disaster aid and services.

  • Apply by Phone: Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
  • For those with speech or hearing disabilities: Call TTY 1-800-462-7585

OR

General Advice for anyone travelling to the Gulf states recovery area

  • Adequate preparation and planning before entering the recovery area will help prevent personal injury and keep you from having to use an over-burdened health care system.
  • The following guidelines and suggestions are intended for the personal safety and comfort of civilian volunteers traveling to the recovery areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and evacuees returning home.
  • Group leaders should review this information with young or inexperienced volunteers.
  • Individuals that have not lived in rural southern areas may be unfamiliar with the potential dangers of wildlife and outdoor hazards.
  • Always ask for guidance from local residents if you are venturing into unfamiliar surroundings.
  • Please observe all local, state and federal regulations when entering the Katrina recovery area.

Current advisory from LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals - Sept 09, 2005 : http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/publications/pubs-145/ID%20Advisory%20for%20Rescuers.pdf

Travel Supply Checklist: Returning Evacuees and Civilian Recovery Personnel

  • The checklist is not intended to be comprehensive or to cover every eventuality.
  • The checklist will focus on essential, easily transported items needed during moderate to extreme disruption of normal municipal services.
  • The checklist is a basic guide for personal health and hygeine needs for those travelling to regions affected by hurricane Katrina.
  • Use plastic not glass containers whenever possible
  • Some are optional, many may prove to be essential. Review carefully.
  • Purchase as many supplies and provisions before departure.


DOCUMENTS & IDENTIFICATION

  • Drivers license - Photo ID - Checkbook - Credit / debit cards
  • Lease/ mortgage documents - power, water, phone bills - motor vehicle registration
  • Detailed travel itinerary – for family / friends / email to yourself or others
  • Insurance documentation *passport *immigration documents
  • Licensures *Certifications (CPR, ACLS) *Social security Number
  • List of emergency phone numbers of your friends / family / contacts
  • Personal address book (hard copy) *PIM / Palm Pilot / Organizer
  • Local contact phone numbers *police *fire *EMS * Social Services
  • Ballpoint pen *pencil *note pad (see Pocketmod )
  • Maps of region / city *Calendar / date book
  • Keys: house-car-destination *lock / door codes


PERSONAL MEDICATIONS

  • Tetanus shot up to date *Check need for hepatitis vaccine
  • Consider water purification tablets (giardia) – available at local camp supply stores
  • Consider antibiotic prophylaxis for travelers diarrhea – consult physician
  • Medications you will require (OTC and prescription) *Epi-pen for sting allergy
  • ASA *Acetaminophen *Pepto bismol *anti-diarrhea (lomotil)
  • Benadryl *Decongestant *Nasal spray *Inhaler *Eye drops *Antacid
  • Lip balm (chap stick) *Petroleum jelly (vaseline)
  • Diabetic supplies *insulin *needle / syringes *glucose tester / strips
  • Assorted bandaids *adhesive / surgical tape *gauze pads *cotton balls
  • Q-tips *corn pads (moleskin) *antibiotic ointment *antifungal cream *cortisone cream
  • Prepackaged alcohol wipes.


TRAVEL GEAR

  • Day pack *Shoulder bag *waist pouch *travel vest *walking shoes
  • Comfortable waterproof work boots, broken in, spare laces, double socks *sandals
  • Adjustable nylon belt *Thin leather work gloves (garden supply stores)
  • Hat *rain hat *parka / windbreaker *poncho *work out clothes
  • bathing suit / quick dry shorts


HYGIENE TOILETRY

  • Razor *shave cream / shave brush *small unbreakable mirror
  • toothbrush *toothpaste * dental floss *water filtration device
  • bar soap *Hand cleaner / sanitizer *liquid soap / shampoo *conditioner
  • deodorant / anti-perspirant *hair clips / tie-backs *condoms
  • tampons /sanitary napkins *Toilet paper *Tissues (Kleenex) *sanitary wipes


PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Bandanna / scarf *inflatable pillow *eye (sleep) shades *ear plugs, disposable
  • Pillows - towels - bed sheets - blankets
  • Dental retainer / appliance *measuring spoons *eye dropper *syringe
  • Extra pair of glasses and /or contacts * case for contacts / glasses *cleaning fluid
  • Sunglasses *Sunscreen *wash cloth/ sponge/ towel *zip lock bags
  • safety pins *sewing kit *matches *storm proof lighter
  • mesh bag *solar shower *plastic trash bags (lawn size for emergency poncho)
  • Protective eye-wear (plastic goggles) *2 pair vinyl / latex gloves
  • Whistle or signaling device *compass *small tape measure
  • multi-tool w/ knife, scissors (pliers) & screwdriver *nail clippers / file
  • tweezers *plastic wrap *duct tape *bandage scissors *food storage bags / containers
  • masking tape *shipping tape *wire cutters *surgical forceps/hemostats


ELECTRONICS

  • laptop *radio *camera
  • cell phone/ battery / charger *batteries
  • personal flashlight, extra batteries *keychain LED light
  • hand-held spotlight, waterproof


EXTRAS – GROUP TRAVEL

  • mesh hammock - sleeping bag - mosquito netting
  • brooms - buckets - mops - rags
  • mountaineering stove (butane, propane can’t be shipped by air)
  • Tarp *small hammer *Axe / hatchet *collapsible shovel *nylon rope *para cord
  • bungie / tie downs *tent / stakes / ground cloth *mosquito netting *signal flare
  • Assortment of nails, screws & fasteners *electrical tape *waterproof case / dry bag
  • air mattress / pump *portable stove *cookware *utensils *lantern
  • plates /bowls/ cups *camp chairs *hammock

Preparation & Planning Before Departure

  • Assume the worst, hope for the best…..prepare for both.
  • Your primary mission: help- not hinder- recovery efforts.
  • Adequate preparation will ensure that you do not become an additional casualty of a disaster.
  • Individuals in poor health or those with special medical needs should limit travel to the hurricane recovery area.
  • DO NOT bring pets to the disaster recovery region. They are easily lost or injured.


  • If time permits, attend a CPR or ACLS course before departing or after arrival.
  • If you have had CPR or ACLS training, review the basics no matter how experienced you are.
  • Keep abreast of health advisories, water purity reports and disease surveillance by the CDC and local authorities.
  • Expect to be self-sufficient in areas of storm destruction, reduced facilities, power outages and limited communications.
  • Keep a written inventory of all supplies and provisions. Label everything (especially clothing) !


  • Replace all expended supplies and provisions BEFORE they are needed again.
  • Check weather conditions and forecasts before departing and regularly during your visit.
  • The SE U.S. can be uncomfortably humid through September and air conditioning may be limited.
  • Additional storms may occur. Hurricane season extends to the first of November in the SE U.S.
  • CONFIRM flight schedules, transportation, local contacts, work assignments and accommodations before leaving. RECONFIRM!


  • Expect some travel delays into and out of the recovery area. Be patient and cooperative.
  • DO NOT just “show up without specific plans, food, water, housing and transportation.
  • AIR TRAVEL may be restricted or have reduced services – if you fly, take as much by carry-on as possible.
  • AIRPORT SECURITY (T.S.A.) prohibits knives, files, sharp objects, lighters, matches, weapons and many other items in carry-on baggage. Observe all security advisories during air travel.
  • Declare any questionable items to airport security to avoid delays.


  • Consider using a cargo vest and/or waist pack.
  • ALWAYS carry fresh, clean water with you at all times, while traveling and at the worksite.
  • KEEP identification, travel documents and essential medications WITH YOU at all times.
  • Pack MREs, dry food and non-perishable items to last at least 2 days in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • Pre-packaged plastic utensils, napkins, salt, pepper, bouillon cubes, soup mix, sweetener, cocoa, tea bags and instant coffee are easily transported.


  • Travel-sized toiletries, sealable plastic bottles and compact containers are sold at most camping suppliers and pharmacies.
  • Square or rectangular food storage containers are easily nested and/or packed with supplies to save space.

Demographics of Recovery Areas

Louisiana is divided into parishes, not counties. The other states in the recovery area are divided into counties.


  • Much of the recovery area outside cities and towns may be farm land, forest or may be sparsely populated.
  • Stores, gas stations, restaurants and service facilities may be many miles apart.
  • Know your destination, travel distance, roadside services and important local landmarks before leaving populated areas.
  • Many residents have had limited travel outside of the recovery area. Although Southerners are polite and gracious hosts, don't be surprised or offended if strangers are approached cautiously.

See also

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