#  ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.2916666666666667in" height="0.8375in"}  American Red Cross

### MRC Activation in Support of ARC Disaster Operations

### [Training]{.underline}

### Complete the online course *Introduction to Disaster Services Course* at [**http://www2.redcross.org/donate/volunteer/**](http://www2.redcross.org/donate/volunteer/) as soon as possible.

### Review the Two PowerPoint Orientations attached 

### [Paperwork to Bring with You]{.underline}

### Bring multiple copies of your Professional Licensure/Certification for credentialing purposes. NOTE: You will not be able to provide patient care without this documentation 

### Bring a valid photo ID and carry it with you at all times

### Bring your copy of the Disaster Assignment Sheet and carry with you at all times

### [Packing for Deployment]{.underline}

### Luggage should be sturdy and lockable. Do not pack more that you can carry by yourself, and keep one set of clothes, a snack, water, money, medications, and all professional equipment in your carry-on. Rolling clothes, instead of folding them, will save room. 

[**Clothing**]{.underline}

Bring enough clothes to last for the two week deployment. Shoes should
be comfortable and broken in.

\*Zip Loc Bags are great for keeping items dry in the event that your
luggage is not. Try packing items in ziplocs and then packing them in
your luggage.

**Common Sense Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list.** Keep some
absolute essentials in a carry-on that will enable you to survive for a
couple of days if your baggage gets lost.

## [Other Items]{.underline}

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  Soap, in plastic container                      Rain gear/Poncho

  Shampoo                                         Hand cream

  Shaving Kit                                     Handkerchiefs/Bandanas

  Deodorant, unscented                            Lip balm

  Band aids                                       Tissues (several small packs)

  Insect Repellent                                Toilet paper

  Sunscreen                                       Toothpaste/brush/dental
                                                  floss/mouthwash

  Towel large and small.                          Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, or
                                                  alcohol rubbing pads

  Comb/Hairbrush                                  Laundry bag

  Prescription eyeglasses (not contacts) - and an Sunglasses
  extra pair if possible                          

  Flashlight (black or green)                     Extra new batteries

  [1 to 3 days'                                   1 day's water requirement
  rations/food](http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/#food)   

  First aid kit and first aid manual.             Matches in a waterproof container.

  Pens                                            Stethoscope, BP cuff (if Health
                                                  care provider)
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------

**[Health]{.underline}**

-   Immunizations: Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (receipt of primary
    series, and Td booster within 10 years)

-   Avoid eating food that has come in contact with local water sources.

-   Only eat fruits and vegetables that can be peeled.

-   Use bottled water or water treated with iodine tablets and/or
    boiling and purification.

-   Maintain good hygiene and hand-washing techniques.

-   Take skin wound care seriously in the tropics and use antibiotic
    ointments to avoid more serious infections.

-   Avoid contact with animals, within reason for your assignment. If
    any animal bites you, seek immediate health care assistance.

For further information, see the following website:
<http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asp>