If your crew is being sent out for emergency storm work, below is a list of items to consider packing.
- Two weeks of clothing
- Extra winter/rain gear and clothing
- Bedroll/Sleeping bag/Pillow/Blanket
- Bathtowels and washcloth
- Toiletries, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap and shaving supplies
- Shampoo and hair care products
- Contact lens supplies (several weeks’ worth)
- Foot powder and Athlete’s foot spray
- Wipes (or “shower-in-a-box”)/paper towels
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Personal medicine, 30 day supply of prescription meds, Ibuprofen or other pain relievers
- Antacids
- Cold/sinus headache medicine (the chances of catching something while on tough emergency clean up assignments on the road are high due to lowered resistance from stress and fatigue)
- Pepto Bismol/Imodium
- Personal first aid kit
- Bathroom tissue (always bring a spare roll. You can sell it by the sheet if conditions get harsh!)
- Shower shoes or plastic flip flops
- Bottled water and sports drinks
- Non-perishable food such as PowerBars or nutrition bars
- Sharp knife (a multi-tool is best)
- Headlamp
- Extra batteries
- Drivers license or other picture ID
- DOT health card
- Personal spending cash
- Cell phone with spare charged battery (keep in a waterproof bag)
- Extra waterproof bags such as zip-lock sandwich bags
- Personal tobacco products
- Cheap tarp*
- Five gallon bucket*
- Folding camp chair*
- Cot*
- Tent*
*not really critical, but could make your life a whole lot easier.
Don’t forget the basic PPE’s
- Electrical approved hardhat
- Gloves (couple of pairs)
- Sturdy steel toe work boots (two pairs in case one gets wet)
- Ear protection
- Safety glasses
Keep all saws and equipment in good working order. Perform daily maintenance and sharpening on them so you are ready to go if dispatched early the next morning.
Crew leader
- Time cards or time sheets
- Trip Reports
- Vehicle inspection lists
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Contact phone numbers for local emergency officials and your company office
- Serial numbers for all equipment in case of theft or walk aways
- If going across state lines-Fuel and Trip Permits for each state
Truck
Prepare the truck and equipment for at least two weeks of hard work. Consider bringing extra of everything, room allowing. Besides all the regular equipment, these other items may come in handy:
- Garbage bags
- Ice chest
- Bottled water
- Extra saw fuel
- 1:50 fuel mix
- Bar oil
- Extra bars, bar nuts, screnches, files, screwdrivers, tool kit, etc.
- Extra fuel filters, air filters, chain by the spool
- Climbing gear, chaps (several pairs), ropes, etc.
- Shovel and rakes
- Spare change for toll roads and bridges
Most of this list was compiled by the TCIA, February 2008, Number 306
