Team Leadership

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The Role of Team Leaders in Disaster Response

In disaster response, team leaders are vital. They transform goodwill into coordinated action, ensuring safety, efficiency, and impact. This chapter is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and guide volunteer teams in various disaster response scenarios. Whether you are coordinating debris removal, mucking out homes, or conducting assessments, strong leadership is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and positive outcomes.

Key Roles

• Organize Chaos: Provide structure, direction, and clear objectives.

• Ensure Safety: Assess risks, enforce protocols, and protect volunteers.

• Embody Leadership: Represent the organization, build trust with survivors, and model effective behavior.

• Protect and Observe: Prevent further harm, safeguard property and dignity, and support psychological well-being.

• Connect and Coordinate: Bridge communication, integrate efforts with other stakeholders.

Benefits

• Develop crucial skills: crisis management, decision-making, and communication.

• Experience personal growth: empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

• Build valuable connections: with volunteers, responders, and communities.

Impact

• Effective team leaders are crucial for successful disaster response, ensuring safety, efficiency, and community recovery. This role offers significant rewards and lasting impact.

• The procedures and guidelines outlined here are built on extensive field experience and are designed to help you create a work environment that is both productive and safe, while ensuring that we provide the highest level of service to disaster survivors.

Section 1: The Team Lead Binder

1. Work Rosters

A daily work roster should be filled out for each worksite. 

• Worksite information: address, homeowner’s name, date of work, work types (see index), total hours for each work type.

• Volunteer information: first and last name, group affiliation, day or residential volunteer, work types done, time in and time out.

• Equipment: Heavy Equipment make, model and attachment; any gas-powered equipment used, i.e. chainsaws, generators, pumps

2. Waivers

All volunteers MUST be informed of the risks to health and safety associated with disaster response and sign liability waivers.

• Verify that all volunteers scheduled for the day have filled out liability waivers.

• If you have any walk-on volunteers throughout the day, have them fill one out.

3. Incident Reports

Fill out an incident report every time there is an injury on the site, no matter how small it may seem.

• Notify the Field coordinator about injuries immediately.

• Report any time the first aid kit is used, and any time there is an incident involving contact with a person’s head. No exceptions.

• Close calls should also be noted for the purpose of mitigating future risks and identifying necessary improvements to training.
  
  

4. Work Requests

Contains details about the work to be done and contact information. 

• Check the request for your site daily to determine the needs of the site.

• Keep the request in an obvious and accessible location and make your team aware of where to find it and the address in case of an incident involving you.

• Review the request fully, making sure to be aware of:

  • Is there a restroom available on site?

  • Is the resident living in the home currently?

  • What is the work needed?

  • Is access to electricity or water available?

  • Has the gas been shut off?

  • Are there any special instructions?

  • Are there any abnormal hazards on the site?

• Prior to leaving for the site, make sure you understand what work is needed in the home, and the necessary tools and PPE. If you are unsure in any way, check with the Field Coordinator.

5. Flyers

• Pass out flyers as appropriate: volunteer recruitment, offer of assistance, and other 

Section 2: Daily Flow 

1. Prior to Departure
   Effective team mobilization sets the foundation for successful disaster response operations. As a Team Leader, your morning routine should balance organizational efficiency with volunteer wellbeing.
   
   

• Documentation Readiness 

  • Collect your Team Leader binder

  • Verify all forms and documents are present

  • Ensure roster sheets are pre-filled with known volunteer information

• Mission Assessment 

  • Review the day's work order in detail

  • Understand specific requirements and potential challenges

  • Anticipate specialized equipment or skill needs

• Equipment Preparation 

  • Gather required tools and safety equipment

  • Complete inventory using the loadout sheet in your binder

  • Ensure tools are in working condition

• Homeowner Communication 

  • Contact affected residents to confirm your team's arrival time

  • Address any immediate concerns or questions

  • Set appropriate expectations for the day's work

•  Team Assembly 

  • Gather all present volunteers for loading and briefing

  • Distribute work assignments based on skills and experience

  • Note that day volunteers arriving directly on-site will receive briefing information via the Volunteer Coordinator

• Confirm your team has:

  • Complete Team Leader binder with all necessary forms

  • Appropriate tool loadout for the assigned tasks

  • Fully stocked first aid kit

  • Sufficient personal protective equipment for all team members

  • Day Box containing site essentials

  • Weather-appropriate work attire

  • Water cooler and adequate hydration supplies

  • Lunch

• Pro Tip:      Leave early to allow time for a gas stop and energy drinks. This final chance for volunteers to get supplies is vital for their wellbeing. With long hours and few open stores, opportunities to stock up are limited. Keeping normal routines, like morning coffee stops, helps volunteers maintain mental health while working in traumatic settings.

When managing volunteer teams during disaster response efforts, these simple logistics become critical components of team effectiveness and sustainability. Team leaders should build buffer time into morning departures, recognizing that these supply stops serve multiple essential functions beyond mere convenience.

First, they ensure volunteers have adequate personal provisions for potentially long, unpredictable shifts. Second, they provide a moment of normalcy—a small but significant psychological anchor—before entering chaotic disaster zones. Third, they create informal bonding opportunities as team members gather snacks, share coffee, and mentally prepare together for the challenging day ahead.

Experienced disaster response leaders understand that volunteer burnout is a serious threat to mission effectiveness. Seemingly small considerations like facilitating regular supply stops demonstrate care for your team's wellbeing and acknowledge the emotional toll of disaster work. These brief respites can significantly impact volunteer resilience, particularly during extended deployment periods when exposure to trauma is continuous.

Remember that volunteers who feel their basic needs are acknowledged will ultimately provide better service to affected communities. By prioritizing these practical aspects of team management, leaders create conditions where volunteers can sustain their important work without compromising their own physical and mental health.

2. Arrival to the Work Site

1. Knock on the homeowner’s door to introduce yourself, or if you’ve been there before, to say good morning. Call if no answer.

2. Establish a staging area: this is the central location for your tools, water, PPE, personal belongings, etc.. Try to find an area with shade or bring a canopy.

3. Establish a rally point away from the home in case of emergency evacuation

4. While your team is getting ready and unloaded, perform a walkthrough to assess the site. Verify work to be done and identify and mitigate any safety hazards. Consider the number of volunteers and their skillsets, as well as safety hazards while defining a plan of action. 

5. Check utilities: gas, electricity, and water shut-off locations. Shut off when necessary. Tape over valves or breakers can help prevent unknowing persons from turning these back on through the workday.

6. Give a safety briefing including any site specifics.

7. Walk the team through the plan for the day. Assign tasks as necessary.

8. Designate and mark out an area for the debris pile; All debris must be separated by type. *Using FEMA guidelines for separation is always recommended and guarantees compliance across varying local guidelines.

3. Lunch

1. Check in with teammates about progress on tasks prior to break time. This will help with coordinating work upon return from lunch.

2. Bring all tools to the staging area.

3. Check in on volunteers during break. Make shifts in workflow as necessary to ensure the well-being of all.

4. Wrapping Up

1. Start finding stopping points and ending work about 30 minutes prior to intended departure time.

2. Clean up the worksite (clear debris, sweep, etc.).

3. Gather tools back to the staging area. 

4. Reference the inventory while loading equipment.

5. Perform a final walkthrough verifying:

1. Nothing is left behind.

2. Utilities are turned back on if applicable. If anything must remain off, tape it and note the reason clearly.

3. Unusual safety hazards are mitigated and/or well-marked.

4. Property is secured as desired by the owner.

5. Returning to Base

1. Unload vehicles and verify tool inventory.

2. Perform any end-of-day tool maintenance.

3. Ensure paperwork is filled out accurately. 

4. Turn in forms and brief the Field Coordinator on your day.

6. When to Contact the Field Coordinator:

• You have any safety concerns

• Any injury or accident occurs.

• Any incident occurs on site.

• You have too many/few volunteers on site.

• Volunteers split up to assist on neighboring properties.

•  You are unsure of how to proceed on tasks.

• The assessment differs from the work to be done.

• You identify any hazardous materials, weapons/ammunition, dangerous animals, medications or illicit substances.

Section 3: Safety

1. General Safety

• Safety is paramount on the worksite, and close attention should be paid to providing a safe worksite for our volunteers.

• Identify any volunteers on the team with medical backgrounds or first aid certification and refer to them in the event of an injury on site.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, N95 or better masks/respirators, gloves, Tyvek suits, and ear plugs.

• Instruct newcomers on the proper use and care of PPE.

• Gloves, masks, and safety glasses should always be worn when working on site.

• Use safety goggles instead of glasses when working under homes.

• Hard hats should be worn by volunteers performing overhead work or working under overhead threats, as well as anybody nearby.

• P100 respirators should be worn by any volunteers with breathing or lung problems, any time a volunteer is working under a home, and in cases of extreme or unknown contamination. P100 respirators should be sanitized daily. Wash buckets should be set up as follows:

  • 1. • Clean water

       • Bleach water with 1 capful of bleach per gallon of water

       • Clean water

       • All should be made with hot water. Rinse and wash in the first bucket, let the mask soak in the second bucket for 10 seconds, soak for 1 minute in the third bucket, then hang to dry.

• Paper masks should be changed when overly contaminated or wet. Care should be taken to place masks in a clean location when taken off.

• Tyvek Suits (hazmat coveralls) should be used in cases of extreme contamination, when working under homes, and when pulling insulation. When using Tyvek suits, ensure that volunteers are taking regular water and cool-down breaks. Pay close attention to volunteers for exhaustion and overheating.
  
  

3. First Aid Kits

• Take a first aid kit every day. Check your kit in the morning to verify that it is fully stocked. Any time the kit is used during the day, note what was used and replenish it upon return to the base. You should familiarize yourself with the contents of the kit and its uses.
  
  

4. Injuries

• Report any incident to the LC that requires treatment, e.g., use of the first aid kit, open wounds, or icing. Report ALL incidents involving contact with the head. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  
  

5. Health Issues

• Check with all new volunteers for health issues. Volunteers often fail to reveal issues for various reasons. Reassure them that these issues are okay, and we will work around them and find appropriate tasks.
  
  
  

6. In the Field

1. Situational Awareness:

• Identify possible risks to yourself

• Identify how you might put other vols in greater risk

• Observe & plan to work around other activities without interrupting each other

• Ask and be aware of needs as you move through the work site. Help each other meet those needs as part of the normal flow. Ex somebody needs a hammer & I’m hauling out debris. I bring the hammer back and avoid them having to stop work to retrieve one. Any step up in efficiency increases both progress and morale.

1. Outdoors: Examples of things to observe 

   1. 1. 1. 1. Overhead threats - utility lines, hanging limbs or trees, loose building materials, or debris on the rooftop. Mark areas below overhead hazards with caution tape to prevent volunteers from unwittingly placing themselves in harm’s way.

            2. Above ground threats - roaming animals, hazards hidden in vegetation, wasp/hornet nests, poison ivy/similar, sharp edges, hazardous debris. Continue assessing areas throughout the day as new debris is exposed.

            3. Ground level threats - soft ground and holes, tripping hazards, hazardous debris, sharp objects, critters such as fire ants and snakes. Walk the entire area volunteers will be working in, identify and mark all hazards.

2. Indoors: Assess each room independently, identify any possible hazards and identify evacuation routes. Keep these routes clear of debris and be aware of your orientation to them at all times.

   1. 1. 1. 1. Overhead threats - damaged or compromised ceilings and walls, broken light fixtures & any other items that may fall, Asbestos ceiling tiles

            2. Above ground - broken windows, hanging/loose building materials, protruding nails or other items, unstable piles of debris

            3. Ground level - slick floors, holes or weak spots in floors, nails, tripping hazards, signs of animal inhabitation, 

3. Tools: Be mindful of tool placement. Debris piles grow, wander, and even pop up out of nowhere feasting on tools daily. Set tools in safe areas, but also always check the area prior to throwing debris onto the floor. When stray tools are found, they should be returned to the staging area. If you notice somebody in that area looking for a tool, let them know you returned it to its proper home. 

4. Personal Space: Maintain at least 3’ clearance from a prone vol, unless helping them hands on, to avoid collisions or being struck by materials or tools. 

5. Working in Close Proximity: Situations often require vols to work near one another. Extra care should be taken to prevent incidents in these situations.

   1. 1. 1. 1. Always be aware of each other’s position.

            2. Know what each other is doing and which tools are being used.

            3. Use tools in a manner that you do not risk striking or cutting one another

            4. Both vols should wear all the PPE required for the tasks both are completing.

6. Passing:

   1. 1. 1. 1. Make your presence audibly known when passing within 3’ of a working vol.

            2. Place yourself between the material and the passerby when carrying debris.

            3. Never pass close enough to risk bumping into a vol using a power tool.

            4. If a spotter is being used in an area, verify safe clearance with them before passing.

            5. Allow heavier loads the right of way when crossing paths.

            6. Try to coordinate the worksite so that no area is being worked in at the same time it is being highly used as a walkway. 

            7. Constantly watch for passersby. Use a spotter whenever your task prevents this.

            8. Stop working whenever necessary to allow safe passage.
               
               

2. Hauling Materials: You will be making hundreds of trips with materials each week. Heavy loads will wear your body down quickly, and you will have no chance to recover during response. Go for endurance when hauling possessions and debris from the home.
   Always scout the path making note of tight turns, steps and other hazards, and inform the team of your chosen path. Consider new routes with materials as work progresses. Feel free to utilize windows to get debris out of the home but be sure not to do any extra damage in the process and clean the area outside well.
   Small debris and piles should be picked up using shovels, dustpans, ect Never dig blindly into mixed piles by hand. You should only pick things up by hand that are clearly safe to handle. 

   1. Ramps: 

      1. Always secure ramp boards from sliding or spinning. In NO circumstance is a loose board, door, etc. acceptable. 

      2. Make certain that the ramp is plenty strong, using blocking underneath may be necessary for extra support. 

      3. Check often for stability. 

      4. Always have a spotter when going down a ramp more than 2 steps high (approx. 16 inches) with a load of debris. 

   2. By Hand:

      1. Never carry more than you can easily handle and maneuver. 

      2. When carrying items as a team: 

         1. Identify communications & path prior to lifting

         2. Use 1 or more spotters

         3. Only lift to 75% of your comfortable lifting capabilities to allow for push and pull from others and increase ability to react.

   3. Wheelbarrow: 

      1. Load deeper to front. Think of the front bolts in the wheelbarrow pan as your lever point. Weight in front of that point will reduce the lift needed. 

      2. Balance load well

      3. Drop it if it tips. Don’t fight a tipping wheelbarrow very hard, let it go, pick up the mess and keep trucking. Too much stress on the handles in the twisting motion can destroy the wheelbarrow as well as cause serious injury to you.

   4. Hand Truck: 

      1. Always use spotters!

      2. Make sure the load is well balanced and strapped in.

      3. If it starts to fall; Let it go!

      4. Use extreme caution with steps. When possible, lean the hand truck back far enough to use the sliders along the steps instead of bumping down on the wheels. This is one case where you may do some cosmetic damage or minor gouging of the steps. Lack of another safe method or practical means of protecting the edge make this acceptable. 

   5. Other Methods: Often standard hauling methods are inefficient or impractical. Feel free to be resourceful & creative. Masonry totes, tarps & sections of carpet are great ways to drag insulation and debris in crawlspaces. Lifting straps are great for bulkier items.
      
      

3. Tool Handling:

   1. Power Tools:

1. Circular Saw: Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris. Ensure the blade guard is functioning properly and never remove it. Keep both hands on the saw during operation and avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the blade.

2. Reciprocating saw: Secure the material you are cutting to prevent it from moving. Use the correct blade for the material to avoid damage and ensure a clean cut. Always disconnect the power before changing blades.

3. Drills: Inspect the drill bit for wear and tear before use. Ensure the bit is securely fastened in the chuck. Avoid applying excessive pressure; let the drill do the work to prevent damage and injury.

4. Generator: Operate in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Regularly check for fuel leaks and ensure the generator is grounded to prevent electrical shocks.

5. Angle Grinder: Always use the correct type of disc for the material you are working with. Ensure the disc is properly secured and not cracked or damaged. Wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and face shields, to protect against flying debris.
   
   

2. Hand tools:

   1. Knifes and Saws: Always keep these tools clean and equipped with sharp blades. Dull blades are difficult to work with and can kick out of the material, risking cuts to yourself and others. Sharp blades are safer, easier, faster working, and offer a cleaner finished product.

   2. Hammers:

      1. Discard if the handle becomes cracked or if the head becomes loose. Do not attempt to repair broken hammers used in demo work

      2. Use only solid fiberglass or steel handled hammers. Hollow handled hammers fail quickly and wood handles don’t last long, both can be dangerous if and when they fail in use. 

      3. Never strike two hammerheads together. They are the same hardness, so it will damage the hammers and send dangerous shrapnel.

      4. Be sure to have clearance from other vols and yourself when swinging, including space for the hammer to follow through if you miss a strike.

   3. Pry bars: Crowbars, Wrecking Bars, Flooring Bars, Flat Bars, Cat’s Paws.

      1. Discard if bent or misshapen. At this point they are structurally compromised and will send dangerous shrapnel when they break.

      2. Ensure prying end has a good bite before applying pressure

      3. Keep your head and body clear of the materials being pried on. Materials being pried off can come loose suddenly and fly with great force. Common causes of injuries include people leaning over floorboards & subfloors or prying trim from the middle and being struck in the face when they pop loose.
         
         

4. Ladder Safety:

   1. Always use a spotter when working on a ladder. The spotter can be working on something else (except during high-risk activities), but must remain attentive to the risks to the vol working on the ladder as well as passing vols.

   2. Ensure that all feet are securely planted and level.

   3. Ensure that all locking mechanisms on the ladder are secure EVERY time it is set up or moved. 

   4. Do not stand above ‘Highest Standing Point’ as marked on ladder.

   5. Do not lean off the sides of the ladder. Work only within arm’s reach with your body centered between the feet.

   6. Avoid moving Stepladders long distances while opened. If shifting a stepladder; Stand in front of the climbing side of the ladder, hold both legs on that side and lean the ladder towards you then lift it vertically. Care should be taken to not let the ladder lean to the side or let the back legs swing around as this can damage the ladder.
      
      

5. Spotters: Use spotters when doing overhead work, such as removing ceilings. Spotters should be watching for falling hazards as well as making sure other volunteers are keeping a safe distance from falling debris.
   
   

6. Weather: 

   1. Download the FEMA, Red Cross Tornado, or NOAA Weather Radar & Alerts app for live weather alerts.

   2. Check the weather daily to be prepared for inclement conditions.

   3. Understand your agency’s emergency weather plan fully. Give the team a quick reminder of the process each morning inclement weather is possible

   4. If you have made significant progress gutting the home you are working in it offers no protection against a tornado. A tornado plan should be developed by your organization, however any time there is a tornado watch or favorable conditions you should create a site-specific plan based on your working location. Identify possible shelter locations; if none are present, identify all exit routes to the nearest open road. As Team Leader it is your responsibility to be the last out of the home, ensuring all other volunteers exit quickly and safely.

   5. In the event of a tornado warning.

      1. Kill power to power tools.

      2. Drop everything else where it is. Do not try to rescue the tools.

      3. Evacuate immediately to the nearest shelter.
         
         

7. Animals: These events are as traumatic for pets and wildlife as for people. Their behavior can be erratic and unpredictable, so use extreme caution around any uncontained animals. 

   1. If a dangerous animal appears keep a safe distance and call the appropriate staff member for advice on how to proceed. 

   2. If faced with an aggressive pet that is uncontained get your team into the vehicles immediately. Call the homeowner to find out if the animal is theirs. If it is, ask them to secure the animal before returning to work. If not, call your LC or PD for advice on how to proceed.
      
      

8. Asbestos: Inhalation of asbestos can cause Mesothelioma and numerous other debilitating or deadly disorders. Familiarize yourself with common asbestos building products and how to identify materials that should be researched for asbestos content. Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) should be left undisturbed unless proper protocol can be supervised by a trained professional. Improper removal can leave a home permanently contaminated. Undisturbed ACMs pose no threat, so any work that can be completed without damaging the ACM can be still performed.
   
   

9. Contamination: Mold, while mentioned most, is far from the only contaminant flood waters can cause. The history of contamination in the area should be considered when approaching a site. When there is a risk of other dangerous chemical or biological factors you should take care to follow FULL safety protocol.
   
   

10. Dangerous Items: If you find drugs, paraphernalia, or weapons, clear the site and inform your supervisor. They will take care of it. Do not try to handle it by yourself.
    Make sure to secure the area and keep others away from the dangerous items until help arrives. Do not touch or move the items as they could pose serious risks, such as needles, firearms and ammunition, or controlled substances. It is important to follow this protocol to ensure everyone's safety and to allow trained personnel to properly manage the situation. 

11. Volunteer Care

    1. Headphone policy: Volunteers should only wear one headphone on site, and the volume should be low enough that they can still hear what’s going on around them.

    2. Make sure volunteers are taking adequate breaks and hydrating well.

    3. Keep an eye on your volunteers for signs of fatigue and exhaustion. Know these signs.

    4. Rotate volunteers between tasks throughout the day to avoid mental and physical fatigue.

Section 4: Quality Control

1. Partial Gut

• Ensure cuts on drywall or paneling are clean, level, and straight. Use a tape measure and chalk line for accuracy. Avoid rough estimates. Precise cuts ensure that the structure remains intact and prevents future issues during installation. Clean and level cuts also contribute to the overall aesthetic quality of the project, reflecting professional workmanship.
  
  

2. Comprehensive QC

• Verify all fasteners, insulation pieces, paper, and remaining drywall and paneling are removed. The aim is to leave the home prepared for installation as much as possible. This thoroughness reduces the risk of delays in subsequent phases of the renovation and ensures that new materials adhere properly without obstruction or contamination from old remnants. Efficient preparation contributes to the longevity and durability of the installed components.

• Have volunteers perform quality checks throughout the process to manage fatigue and boredom, rather than doing it all at the end. Regular checks maintain high standards consistently and prevent the accumulation of errors that are harder to rectify later. This practice enhances volunteer engagement and helps maintain motivation and focus.

• Conduct a thorough sweep of the home upon completion of work. Verify that windowsills and wall bottom plates are well-swept. A clean workspace promotes safety by reducing tripping hazards and allows for a clearer inspection of the completed work. It reflects attention to detail and respect for the homeowner's property.

• Collect all trash and add it to the debris pile. Bag and dispose of food waste separately from the debris pile to prevent animals from digging through and creating a mess. Proper waste management keeps the site tidy and hygienic, deterring pests and preventing health risks. It demonstrates environmental responsibility and community consideration.

• Rake up any debris left outside the home. Clearing outdoor areas maintains the property's curb appeal and minimizes environmental impact. It prevents debris from becoming a hazard to neighbors or wildlife and shows a commitment to thoroughness and respect for the surrounding area.

Section 5: Team Morale

1. Music

• Take a radio to the site daily. Find upbeat music agreeable to all volunteers. Music can significantly boost morale and energy levels, keeping the team motivated and focused throughout the day. Make sure to choose a variety of genres to cater to different tastes, and keep the volume at a level that doesn't interfere with communication.
  
  

2. Rotation

•  Rotate volunteers through different tasks throughout the day to prevent boredom or fatigue, and to give them a chance to learn new skills. For example, switch between physical labor such as lifting and carrying, and more detailed tasks like measuring and cutting. This not only helps in maintaining physical endurance but also keeps the volunteers mentally engaged.
  
  

3. Conflict Management

• Watch for volunteers who may not be working well together or appear to have tension between them. Try to keep such individuals separated throughout the day to minimize conflicts. Offer them an opportunity to talk about issues in a private and respectful manner, facilitating open communication and resolution. Encourage team-building activities to foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
  
  

4. Positive Reinforcement

• Give kudos to volunteers throughout the day for their hard work, completion of tasks, and their willingness to help others. Positive reinforcement boosts morale and encourages continued effort. Identify and celebrate milestones throughout the day, such as completing a difficult task or reaching a project checkpoint. Highlighting these achievements can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

• Share the backstory of the home and its residents whenever possible. By connecting the work to the people being helped, volunteers can see the personal impact of their efforts, adding significant value to their contributions. This emotional connection can inspire greater dedication and compassion.

• Offer treats to volunteers at lunch or the end of the day. Keeping a stash of snacks such as granola bars, fruit, or dark and milk chocolate can be a great motivator. Dark chocolate, in particular, can settle the stomach after lunch and get the endorphins flowing for a strong finish to the day. Providing these small rewards can show appreciation and help maintain energy levels.

• Ensure volunteers take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate. Short, frequent breaks can prevent burnout and maintain productivity. Encourage volunteers to use these breaks to stretch, relax, and socialize, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.

• By implementing these strategies, you can create a work environment that not only maintains high standards of quality but also supports the well-being and satisfaction of the volunteers.

Section 6: Miscellaneous

• Salvageable Belongings: When emptying a home of possessions, keep an eye out for salvageable belongings to save for the resident, e.g., jewelry, photos, vital records, keepsakes, and valuables. Survivors are often unsure or become overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to save. They may mistakenly believe they have retrieved or identified all valuables, or the stress can lead them to throw in the towel and tell us to “just get rid of all of it.” It’s our job to move with purpose and be mindful of everything we touch.
  
  

• Be compassionate with the residents. Listen attentively and show them that you care. It’s not uncommon that volunteers are the first people survivors open up to. Watching their homes being torn out and emptied onto the roadside can be the most heartbreaking part of their journey, so we must be prepared for heavy emotions.
  
  

• Separating debris by FEMA guidelines (See flyer) will eliminate any issues that tend to arise with debris pickup. Less strict local guidelines are convenient, but typically lead to major issues with pickups, often leading to hundreds of volunteer hours lost sorting and re-stacking debris piles.
  
  

• Do not put hazardous debris into the debris pile, e.g., medications, aerosol cans, paint, chemicals, petroleum products, fuel, etc. Isolate hazardous materials throughout the day and create a separate pile with enough space from other piles at the end of the day. This will prevent these items from unintentionally merging with other debris.
  
  

• Upon return to base, remind volunteers to collect their belongings and trash from the vehicles. Gather anything left behind. Everything brought to site has some form of contamination; items regularly left inside the vehicles will cause them to get musty and moldy more quickly.
  
  

• Remove dirty work boots before entering home or base at the end of the day to reduce the transfer of contaminants.
  
  

• After working with insulation, rinse with cold water first in the shower to remove as much as possible before opening your pores with hot water. This will reduce irritation.

Section 7: Tools

1. Day Box

• Your team day box contains items that should be brought along daily, no matter what type of work the team will be doing. See checklist for items to include.
  
  

2. Tool Management

• Choose a central staging area on site. Have volunteers return tools to the staging area when no longer in use.

• Empty the vehicles of tools daily upon return to the base.

  • Repair or tag for repair any damaged tools.

  • Make note of any tools lost or destroyed.

• Place all used batteries onto chargers upon return. Place unused batteries in the ‘charged batteries’ box.

• If the owner has tools present in the home, avoid using them. If possible, round them up prior to working to avoid leaving the site with any of their tools. If you find that you have mistakenly taken any of the owner’s tools, call the owner and advise them of the mistake and return their tools as soon as possible.

• If a tool is broken, report it so it can be repaired.

• If running low on blades or other disposables, report it.

• Report any issues with or damage to vehicles immediately.

• Keep vehicles locked when unattended.

• Ensure vols know how to properly use tools and necessary PPE. Observe use by new vols to ensure safety and productivity.

1. Pro Tips

• Work Methodically: Working through homes and debris fields can be accomplished with very little coordination, but well-organized sites have been shown in the field to be completed in as little as 1/3 the time as uncoordinated sites. Volunteers can work more days and hours when on coordinated teams, attributing this to reduced physical effort necessary and the psychological impact of making greater progress. Volunteers also commonly state the they feel safer and more comfortable on organized sites improving their productivity and making them more likely to return.

• Safety First: Always wear proper PPE, including gloves, a respirator mask, and protective eyewear. Floodwater contains hazardous materials like sewage, chemicals, or debris. Know when PPE is critical for personal safety (such as wearing respirators when dealing with potential ACM’s or sanitizing) and ensure that all volunteers sent to these sites are willing to follow protocol. Utilize those who are resistant to following safety protocols on less hazardous sites.

• Check for Electrical Hazards: Turning the power off when working is important for the safety of volunteers, however it is still important to identify hazards while working on site to prevent future incidents. Make note of any damaged or flooded electrical systems, appliances, and service lines in and around the home as well as any existing potential hazards that may cause damage.

• Document the Damage and Completed Work: Take photos and videos of all affected areas before, during and after the gutting process, even when given the “all clear” to work. These photos may come in handy when applying for other assistance, insurance claims, tracing down lost items, and a myriad of other reasons.

• Use Proper Tools: Invest in quality tools considering durability and comfort of extended, repetitive use. Providing the correct tools for the job greatly improves volunteer stamina and speed, easily offsetting the cost by increasing the speed at which homes can be completed.

• Call a Professional: Recruit professionals for consultation when facing new and unusual circumstances. Many professionals in relevant fields would like to help within their community but are prevented from doing so due to their own workload. Offering an opportunity as an on-call expert for consulting is a great way to get them involved. Bringing on expert guidance improves efficiency and safety across the entire response and broadens the scope of work offered