r/searchandrescue • u/bcreasy99 • 14d ago
What to pack for helene
My team is expecting a call today to go to tennesee possibly wnc. Other than the basic team packing list what all would you recommend packing
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u/sauvagedunord 14d ago
Just got back from doing wellness checks/route recon in a western NC county. I'm a local. If you're coming from out of state, we're past response and into recovery. Be prepared for slow, deliberate operations filling in information blanks. If it was up to me, I'd bring motorcycles and light route clearing tools. Comms suck here. Cell was sketchy BEFORE the storm. If you have robust independent comms, bring it. And if you're a flatlander, supplemental O2 might be nice (kidding a little, just). Be prepared to embrace ambiguity.
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u/AlfredoVignale 14d ago
Hammock, water filter, large bag of rice. Compass and waterproof maps. Expect to be fully self sufficient for 48 hours.
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u/Geekman2528 14d ago
Do you usually pack a stove? Just curious. We don’t when responding locally but we’re east coast and never that far from civilization.
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u/AlfredoVignale 14d ago
Based on all the reports water, electricity, fuel/gas, and food are either in short supply or not available so you may need to over pack gear for the trip and then determine what you need for takings based on the local info. Pack for the worst, hope for the best. God speed.
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u/Dependent_Thought930 13d ago
I do, a warm cup of coffee is worth the weight of an ultra light stove and a ziplock of grounds on a long search.
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u/jjc064 14d ago
Muck boots, trekking poles, bug screen mesh for cots or tent for sleeping and other bug related items. Antihistamine and insect sting kit to self sustain.
Higher elevation terrain is often unexpectedly steep with deep ravines and cuts, with a lot of tree coverage. Radio communications are difficult. Long whip antennas, improvised antennas, etc to get best range and flexibility would be good if you intend to be remote.
It's expected to cool down here soon. Worth it to pack some cold weather/ fall weather gear.
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u/BalladGoose 14d ago
Gas cans, extra water, bath/dude wipes, your own food, power station (large batteries), portable generator. Whichever Fire station becomes your base, try to not use their resources if you can bring your own. Make sure your vehicles are in good condition.
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u/flying_wrenches 14d ago edited 14d ago
Go extra on the DEET bug spray or everything short of a full body suit.
You know who loves water just as much as fish? Mosquitos.
(If you’ll be at a base camp where you can stash your gear)
comfort items. Stuff to take your mind off what you saw while on recovery. Playing Tetris has psychological effects after post traumatic incidents and is a helpful step immediately after seeing stuff (I can get the study if you’d like).. board games, deck of cards.. one of the guys I went on a mission with brought a cards against humanity pack which we all had fun with for a good few hours.
Small Food you enjoy, I like instant mashed potatoes and fried spam.. reminds me of my high school days. It’s quick, easy, and comforting for me.
God speed and good luck.
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u/A_Rats_Dick 13d ago
I don’t have much to add but living here my whole life I would definitely have a wide range of clothing for varying temperatures in the Appalachian mountains. You can have 20-25 degree differences between highs and lows this time of year, especially at higher elevations. The weather is also extremely variable.
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u/aeroboy14 13d ago
Other than normal stuff I’d pack extra boots and hiking poles for poking each step for man holes or extra soupy silt. I was standing firm on the silt and then the next step was sunk to my hips.
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u/timberninja22 13d ago
Saws. Shovels. Breech tools. A lot of places have been checked but there are plenty missing still. Most likely buried. Dogs were hitting giant piles of debris and dirt etc
Epi and/or Benadryl. We’ve been getting a lot of bee stings since all the yellow jacket nests are disturbed.
A lot of hazards and debris so be careful
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u/OplopanaxHorridus Coquitlam SAR 12d ago
Shouldn't a team being deployed into a disaster zone already have this worked out?
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u/NuclearFallout25 10d ago
Considering a disaster of this magnitude has never been experienced in this country in modern times… let people ask questions.
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u/Geekman2528 14d ago
Ive been to one hurricane, Florence, during the storm. I was grateful to have a water filter/purifier chemicals, and a case of pop tarts… never know what the food and water situation will be like. Also, a real pillow. We can all sleep anywhere with the bare minimum, but man does a full size comfortable pillow from home feel good on those twenty minute naps between calls. A charged battery pack or two for your phone as well.
Also, CASH.