Bill:
Just from my experience as a soldier…
You are going into an area, where everything has been destroyed. There will not be any corner grocery stores, you will need take some stuff, here is some that I think are important, there maybe more that you want to add to the list…
lots of Batteries for Flashlight and Portable Radio.
First Aid Kit (for yourself) with extra bandages and alcohol and antibiotic ointments.
Insect Repellent (lots)
Sunscreen (lots)
Towels, at least a couple, they have many uses.
Pain Killer (Advil, Aspirin, etc)
Baking Soda (great for upset stomach, brushing teeth, paste for insect bites).
Water Containers (notice the plural) never enough container for holding water.
(Best way to disinfect a container to make it safe to drink from,pour some soapy water inside container shake (then drain) then rinse (couple of times)with clean water (then drain. Finally pour a couple ounces of whiskey into the container, shake and then drained. You now have a container that is usable for storing drinking water. The whiskey will also seal the inside of the container (if it is plastic) so your water does not take on a plastic taste when it gets warm.
Lots of socks, and as many pairs of boots and/or shoes (rotate shoes and/or boots)
Change socks every 4 hours, towel feet dry with towel and use foot powder. Once a day apply Lotrimin. If boots/shoes get wet, switch to another pair that is dry.
Make Time to take time of your feet, medical staff will be overloaded with helping the victims of Katrina…
Foot Powder, and Lotrimin Ultra.
If you wear prescription glasses, take extra pair along, also any prescription medicine you take (in their original vials, so you can get refills if needed)
Also take a container that you can stash you stuff inside and lock it up.
PSG Steven H. McGarthwaite
US Army, Retired