Ever since Selangor, Pahang, Perak and several other states in Malaysia have been hit with a massive flood, Malaysians and individuals from all over the country have flocked the affected areas in to lend a helping hand. However, for first-time volunteers, there are several important steps you must keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Malaysian Twitter user, @amaninanisa, has so kindly shared a few valuable tips for volunteers to take note of if they do decide to join the force.
1. Prepare A Minty Aromatherapy Oil
Make sure to have at least one minty aromatherapy roll-on as the flood area will induce nausea as a result of the mud + other wastes.
2. Wear Boots And Gloves At All Times
Any regular shoes or slippers will only restrain your movement as you will need to brace through challenging routes. The same goes with wearing gloves— it's a basic safety precaution you simply shouldn't overlook.
3. Wear Comfortable And Stretchy Outfit
Don't wear jeans and light-colored shirts. Jeans will make it inconvenient for you to move around once it gets soaked. If you want to avoid your shirt from peeking through when wet, wear dark-colored shirts.
5. Check Signs Of Venomous Animals
This is VERY important. Inspect every territory for any venomous animals before you enter. You never know what could be lurking in the corners.
6. Take Extra Precautions When Handling Furnitures, Especially Mirrored Ones.
It could collapse on you anytime, so please be extra careful when handling ruined furnitures.
7. Monitor Wounds For Signs Of Infection
Flood water increases the chance of tetanus disease, so it's highly It's advisable for you to get a tetanus shot before or after volunteering.
8. Always Bring Extra Pair Of Outfits, Energy Bar And Water
Some situations might require you to stay overnight, or you might get too occupied to even catch a short break. So, having an extra pair of outfits, a hearty snack, and a few bottles of water WILL come in handy.
You can read the whole Twitter thread by clicking on the original Twitter thread below:
TIPS UNTUK VOLUNTEERS PASCA BANJIR
— Nina | 360 Haircare (@amaninanisa)
1. Rumah yang kena lumpur selut memang bau SANGAT tak menyenangkan. If you tak biasa, it will be hard so get ready mentally. Boleh beli roll on aromatherapy yang minty and sapu pada tisu untuk letak dalam face mask so you will be a bit selesa.
If you do decide to volunteer, donate, or do everything you can to help the flood victims in your own ways, you're doing a good and noble job and we're proud of you!
