Getting some shuteye is hugely important along with drinking water and getting some calories in your body. In a disaster, where you sleep changes as time progresses. The first groups on the ground usually have it the hardest, but in many cases are also welcomed by locals. If a response is within the continental USA then likely we will arrive by car or van which can be used as shelter in worse case scenario. But more often than not if your team is small you maybe welcomed at someone’s home, at a church, or even a shelter. These examples are mainly for responses other than earthquakes.
The main piece of gear you need for this is obviously a sleeping bag, and there are so many that I will leave it up to you. Make sure it is rated for the temperature that you will be in. Or as in my case, I rather bring a lighter one and use a thermal blanket inside if needed, yes those shiny ones. Now if I do know I am responding to an area that is below zero, I will bring a bag that is according to that.
Here I am only going to talk on what I find to be the best for me.
First and second day of being deployed are usually the hardest as you will be tired, likely sweaty, wet, dirty, etc. So if we are able to arrive in a mobile unit where we can stay in, is the best, even a car is an amazing shelter in that situation. Many times we will travel back an hour or two and stay at any available hotel or motel. It really depends on the deployment.
Lets assume that we can’t drive back or need to stay at ground zero. Finding a roof is a priority so we don’t get surprised by additional weather. This can be a church, stadium, or a garage in a welcoming home. As days go by and you learn more about the area, your quarters may become more comfortable, but don’t count on it.
I prepare for 2 scenarios, one where I have a roof and one where I don’t.
The roof scenario only requires that you have your sleeping bag and warmth. The outdoors one requires a little more, as you may need to create a shelter by using a survival blanket or dedicated ultralight survival tent pictured to the right.
I personally prefer to hang a covered hammock if a place is available, I will also use the survival tent as additional cover if needed. And besides the sleeping bag a survival blanket inside the bag may help to keep you warm.
It is very strange that we would stay outdoors, it would likely be an extreme case or just by personal choice. Just make sure you and your equipment is protected for any weather changes. I have a friend who decided to do this in Puerto Rico after Maria, and he did not know about the 4PM showers. Usually in the south of PR will rain around 4PM every day. He did not have a cover and all his ham radio gear got wet. Fortunately nothing got damaged.
With hammocks I like to use a little piece of gear I use for many things, a Nite Ize CamJam XT Aluminum Rope Tightener which supports 500 lbs. along paracord. (pictured below with regular cord)
All of these items can be found at Amazon.com
