Thoughts
On Hardship Disaster Assignments:
1.) Reminder: This is a
hardship assignment and that means housing, power, and basic amenities may be
minimal or even non-existent for a while.
2.) Have copy of
information on locations you might be sent to (and/or initial staging location
from which you will be sent). Be sure to check road safety.
3.) IMPORTANT: ARC
telephone number. Lack of or limited power may make communication challenging
for a while. Check into the appropriateness of taking a cell phone find out
if you can receive or make calls from the assignment center.
4.) A few basic supplies
you might take along include: flashlight; small snacks that keep well; place for
important papers; a tablet and pen; packages of tissues and hand wipes;
sanitizing liquid; appropriate clothes and shoes; a hat; sunscreen; bug
repellent; any medicines you have to take; water; deck of cards;
paper-envelopes-stamps; a favorite poem; small book, etc.
5.) Self-care and coping
with stress are normal concerns in this type of situation please take with
you and read the "DB Coping on Assignment Guidelines" we are giving
you.
6.) Giving support to
others will only serve to strengthen your abilities, yet know your limits and
boundaries. It is not only okay to become discouraged or frustrated, its
quite normal under these circumstances.
7.) Hardship assignments
often mean staying for shorter periods of time than you would for other
assignments because of the inherent challenges. Check on how long you are to
stay before you leave.
8.) Once again, please keep in mind that flexibility and tolerance
will be hallmark concepts to honor.