DSHS RAT – CAT PACKING SUPPLY LIST

Rolling duffel bag:

  • Uniform shirts (polo or t-shirt) for minimum 5 day deployment
  • Uniform pants (khaki or blue)
  • DSHS hat (boonie or ball cap)
  • Belt (black)
  • Boots (black)
  • Rain boots (optional)
  • Toiletries, deodorant (not optional), toothbrush, shampoo, soap etc.
  • Prescription medications or inhaler
  • Toilet paper or wet wipes (preferred)
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Swimsuit
  • Plastic resealable bags (various sizes up to 2 gallon)
  • Windbreaker type jacket
  • Foot care products (moleskin, baby powder, and anti-fungal)
  • Towel (shammy type preferable)
  • After hours wear (something comfortable ie. shorts, t-shirt etc.)
  • Phone cord, internet cord, and power strip
  • Field guides (NIMS, ICS, public health emergencies, emergency response etc.)
  • Feminine items (tampons, makeup etc.)

Back pack:

  • Flashlight (head lamp and hand held)
  • Batteries
  • Extra pair of glasses or extra contact lenses (and accessories, saline, etc.)
  • Phone cord, internet cord, and power strip (if not in garment bag)
  • Ear plugs
  • Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellant
  • First aid kit, personal (bandages, aspirin, tweezers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Nylon cord (25 feet)
  • Water and snacks (power bars and one MRE)
  • Prescription medications or inhaler
  • Duct tape
  • Feminine items (tampons, makeup etc.)
  • Work gloves

Other items: (can be carried on person)

  • DSHS ID badge
  • Official Texas identification card
  • Blackberry or cell phone
  • In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact information
  • Knife (4 to 6 inch, folding style, lock blade)
  • Multi tool (Leatherman or Gerber brands are best)
  • Cash (include small bills and change)
  • Small notebook (record time worked or other pertinent information) with pen/pencil
  • Vest with pockets (navy blue) (optional)
  • Handkerchief
  • Matches or lighter
  • Watch
  • Gloves (work and/or weather)
  • Hand sanitizer

Tips:

  • Everything should be packed in preparation of a 7-10 day deployment.
  • Use bags that have rollers for easy movement.
  • Keep one change of clothing in a zip lock bag in your back pack at all times.
  • Remember, if flying, some items cannot be carried on to a plane and must be placed in rolling bag during transport but will need to be moved to the back pack at a later time.
  • Don’t weigh down your bags to the point you cannot carry them.
  • Save room for additional items such as satellite phone, radio and/or other equipment assigned during the deployment.
  • Take your bags and belongings with you in your vehicle each day when you leave the hotel for quick movement in the affected area.
  • Never take anything that you don’t want others to see as someone else may have to retrieve your bags and belongings from a hotel.
  • Make sure your bags and belongings are marked with your name for easy identification.
  • Lock up your bags and belongings when left in a vehicle.
  • Your cell phone can be used for limited light if needed.
  • Pack socks & underwear in zip-lock bags
  • Best way to pack is socks, shirt, pants all in one bag

Updated 4/10/2012