SAFETY GUIDELINES
Disaster Assistance Mission Teams

1.      SAFETY is Your PRIMARY CONCERN! Remember: More people were hurt after Hurricane Andrew than during the storm!

2.      Operating Equipment: If you don’t know how to use equipment (chain saws, etc.), don’t try now.

3.      Construction: It is strongly advisable that construction be done under the supervision of a professional: tree trimming, electrical, plumbing, etc.

4.     Mission teams should be self contained.

5.      Take more than sufficient water & food - the work is very hot and dehydration is a real problem.

6.     Work Gloves.

7.      Covered Shoes - no sandals or open toed shoes

8.      Sunscreen and hats are a must.

9.      Raingear – poncho or raincoat.

10.  Work Clothes - Wear long pants if possible.  Long sleeve shirts will protect your arms from scratches.

11. Mosquito repellant.

12. Hand sanitizer.

13.  First Aid Kit for the Team

14. Allergy medication.

15.  Leave your jewelry at home. 

16.  When working around noisy equipment (chain saws, generators) wear ear plugs. 

17.  Depending on the task – you may need to wear Safety Glasses.

18.  Be especially careful of climbing unsafe structures.

19.  You come to serve not be served.

20. Be flexible.

21.  Remember that the people in the disaster area are stressed.  Care for them!

22.  Traffic lights are not working!  Drive with great care – especially at Intersections – doesn’t assume that you have the right of way.

23. If you get hurt – tell someone immediately!

24.  Tetanus shots are good for 10 years.

25. Be enthusiastic!  Have fun!!

26. Have a Servant’s Heart!

27.  Never enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet, unless you are certain that the power is off. NEVER handle a downed power line.

28.  To help prevent back injury, use teams of two or more to move bulky objects, avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person), and use proper automated-assist lifting devices.

29.  NIOSH recommendation: To reduce the potential for heat stress, replenish fluids:  Drink 1 cup water or sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes and small frequent carbohydrate meals. Wear light-colored, loose- fitting clothing. Incorporate work-rest cycles into work routines.

30. NIOSH recommendation: Monitor your heart rate. If over 180 beats per minute minus your age for more than a few minutes, stop work and rest immediately.

31. Continuous Prayer.