Not going to lie, I just had the video playing in the background, but once Drew interrupted Josh telling him that he’s boring, I started actually paying attention. Well, done for my attention sake.😂👏🏽
Biggest lesson is leave your ego at the door. Be self sufficient , prepare for hours standing around not doing very much followed by hours or days without rest. Realise your contribution to a bigger picture. Get the basics right and be positive in the face of adversity.
I leave my ego at the door as soon as I leave home. I tell people it can save your life and at the end of the day, you're still a nobody, just like everyone else. Just worry about mattering to those who matter most to you, that's all you can want in life.
Making sure YOUR family is okay before you go off… boy do so many people in this space need to hear that. Helping others but not your own wife and kids is a special type of stupid. Thanks for spelling that out guys, even some professionals in this space still haven’t learned that lesson 🤦♂️
Biggest battle of the hurricane living in Asheville was watching my friends hike into remote areas while I had to sit at home and help the local neighborhood because I tore my foot off last year and have been learning to walk again. Too big of a risk than an asset. Tough pill to swallow but had to do it.
@@dirty-civilian for sure. Patched some tires, fed some neighbors, relayed some info etc. But when there’s no one coming to save you, being humble with what you’re capable of doing to not create another problem it’s critical. One lady I helped popped a tire “because she just had to get cigarettes”.
@@MicajahMcCurry Helping your immediate neighbors was just as important. You did what was right and helped where you could. God had you there for a reason brother.
Speaking as a former firefighter in California, my best advice is to volunteer in an area you are an expert in. Cook if you know how to do that. Run a chainsaw if you know how to do that. Run heavy equipment to help with demolition and debris removal if you are equipped and proficient in that area. A disaster area is NOT a time or place to try doing things you don’t know how to or are not equipped to do. Additionally, show up prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible. Finally, the local first responders will usually be the folks with boots on the ground, knowing where resources are and where they are needed.
It's amazing how many government outfits won't buy the necessary shit ahead of time because the budget associated with a specific emergency response hasn't been created yet. The video for gov officials should start with "dont be a f***bag"
A couple days after Helene hit, a buddy and I drove up to Hendersonville to try to help clear debris and quickly realized that our shovel, sawzall, and rakes would do nothing. We ended up unloading trucks and distributing food at a church which was about all we could do at that point. We wanted to get our hands dirty and clear debris but realized we would be more liability than asset at that point.
@@MicajahMcCurry we thought it was going to be easy work but the amount of supplies that people dropped off to that Baptist Church was nuts. We moved all day. So many Baptist organizations came from all over to donate. I'm not religious, but if I chose one, I would be Baptist after that
I spent a month on mission and I greatly appreciate this video. My team and I helped establish a few central command centers where we set up our own TOC's, very well run (something the government can't do for some reason) A major issue we ran into about 3 weeks in were very unprepared volunteers. They came in the hundreds and they came with the heart but many did not come prepared at all. There was a point where several groups of volunteers were caught out in the snow/cold and we had to allocate precious resources and supplies to insure they didn't freeze to death. Speaking of government, we also had to supply the National Guard with watch caps and gloves. Another issue we ran into were "well coordinated" groups that came in unannounced with terrible egos. These groups would wander off into the mountains in search of people and destroyed neighborhoods only to get lost because... They had no maps and no communications with any of the EOC's or our TOC's. Anyways, I could go off. Whoever is reading this though, get yourself a radio. Comms made a huge difference on mission and we were handing our radios like candy. Made a huge difference.
Haha, yeah we tend to not do ridiculous intros on disaster relief videos as it can kind of be in bad taste. Plus with all the fires in Cali... it would just be bad timing.
Thank you for making this video. The last 10 minutes are SUPER IMPORTANT. I've done several rescue/recovery/relief trips with friends, and your conduct as a volunteer is crucial. It's a good idea to bring a toy hauler for these trips. It makes extra fuel/food/water and a generator much easier to bring along. You can even sleep in it.
The point about "you might be doing something other than what you imagined" is huge... can't be overstated, people need to go into it with the right mindset. Let them know what unique capabilities you are bringing to the table, but understand in that moment the incident commander or relief coordinator may need you doing other things.
One thing I think is super important from my limited experience in search and rescue and emergency management is it’s super important to have some sort of roll call sheet established early so you can account for personnel and their tasks and locations, you don’t want to find out that five guys went out and four came back hours after they’ve returned. This is usually on the incident commander but the onus is on everyone to make sure that this is done and if it isn’t making sure it gets established.
Accurate. I've made five trips to NC jobs consisting of initial recon, body recovery, chainsaw work to handing out food. It was pretty cool to see your experience was almost identical to ours. We had a great success with GMRS, not only were we able to communicate with each other but we were able to get vital intel from residents on the mountain. There were several victims that had base stations still active. We also used a combination of GMRS and Garmin Inreach to relay information down the mountains and stay in touch with our families back home. Our assignment started out as security, moved to medical and then to supply chain distributions. Be willing to help where you are needed.
some thoughts from a sawyer who lives in WNC - while chainsaws are fantastic tools and it can be relatively simple to buck things up without lots of prior training, do NOT overestimate your capabilities with one. i would honestly not recommend new sawyers without actual training (not a youtube video) to be using a saw in a disaster area. a great way to be a drag on resources is having to get airlifted out because you didnt know how to read tension and bind in a complex job and you got whacked, crushed, cut, etc. some of the most experienced sawyers i know got seriously injured right after the storm, not because they were stupid but because the types of hang ups and binds are way more difficult than your standard felling and bucking. theres a lot of people (mostly dudes) who get all up in their egos about wanting to use a chainsaw but none of them will haul brush/clear the site once the cuts are done. you really dont need 5 guys simultaneously cutting the same 40 foot pine. if you ever feel like you cant do a job safely, dont do it. there will be a dozen dudes with saws and zero self preservation instinct to take your place. haul some brush.
You are 💯correct. Using saws is very dangerous. Just as everything you described. I'll add to it also. Even a 3/4in sapling will have you thinking about your life. Bound up in my saw, broke my chain and the chain whipped around and forcefully grazed the bridge of my nose. All in about 1/2 second. Almost 20 years later there is still a scar. I have enough time behind a saw to know what not to do and to evaluate ALL cuts. Trimmed for Bellsouth/ATT and a few power distributors in the SE. Long walks in the Appalachians. Carrying gear. Loved and hated it. Chilling in a tree, spring/fall❤. Honestly though, scariest moment was when a bear was at the bottom of the tree inwas in. Sniffed around, looked up, put front paws on my tree, I dabbled some of the gas in my saw on it. Worked well. Must of went up the nose😅
Yup. Its important to understand that there are 100s if not 1000s of jobs that need to get done. You can cut the trees all day long, but that one sawyer isnt moving it all on his own. He can cut and cut and still not clear a road if he doesnt have the support of a few extra hands to move the brush. I learned this from my grandfathers. They were both in the tail end of ww2. Both were "potato peelers". Without food, without logistics, the cool guys cant do the cool jobs.
Nice outro message, this info is more important to being a good American than having a sixth rifle/nods/plate carrier. Also the electronic display is a nice piece of equipment for making points.
Great topic. Not being part of the problem is a hard concept for some people. Fortunately volunteering makes you a better human being and helps you appreciate what you have. There doesn’t even need to be a disaster.
Thank you for bringing this topic to the front of the conversation. Between the "main character energy" and the "hot mess with good intentions" mentalities, a lot of folks need to be brought back to the reality that disaster zones are not pre planned mission trip vacations. I've mostly done wildfires, but the lesson there was the same. Be self sustained for at least a week, and do what makes you valuable.
As a volunteer myself and working in emergency services and having knowledge on this all i can say is thank you to these guys because everyone who watches this video will be able to help alot more then being a pain when in the rescue or relief effort and i honestly cant thank these guys enough for this sorta content because its very educational and helps services and loads of people in many ways so big thank you to you guys! And thanks for your service as volunteers and i think you guys are ex-military aswell so thanks for your service
An outstanding follow up video to the first Helene Response video. Loved it. So many lessons learned for myself and my family after experiencing this disaster. As LEO I still had to show up for work in Western NC and had to take care of my own family that was affected by the storm on my time off (resupply water, fuel, food, etc.). The point you made about making sure your own family was secure and safe before leaving to try and help others was very difficult for me to deal with at the time. Sometimes you have to be okay with letting others come to help you, or with "outsiders" going to help while you handle your own. By making sure your own family is taken care of by your own preparedness when affected by these disasters, you are letting those resources help elsewhere. Thank you DC for keeping these lessons fresh on the mind.
From a former volunteer firefighter, thank you for volunteering to help the people of NC, when you could have stayed home safe and sound. You're rockstars!
17:17 I would also suggest doing a final inventory before you enter a space. It saves you from having to run back out of the space or being a tax. I’ve learned alot about this from road tripping everywhere. For instance we just traveled into Orlando but fuel is cheaper in Georgia so not only did I have to check our fuel on the way out of GA we also have to be mindful of the fuel consumption. Keep consistent inventory of your supply I use excel for my inventory management just check your equipment once a month and the easiest way to do this is colorful tape and zip ties and keep your kit sealed with alike expiry dates and write it on the bin and your inventory management so when you’re getting close cycle that to training equipment and cycle in new stuff. I’m still very green in this space as well as the roadtrip space but I’m thinking about making content from the perspective of a poor husband and wife making micro steps to being prepared. Afterpay and ammo squared is how we are funding our preparedness right now and we would remain committed to buying our own equipment never run an add unless it’s a product we organically use etc. if you like boring rants like this like it if I get 50 I’ll make a video
A good friend and I who served together went to L.A to help out as much as we could with the fire going on and let me tell y’all. Some people were so incompetent it was bewildering. A lot of those “helpers” were L.A natives who went to one of the evacuees site and took pictures for their Instagram and left. I sh*t you not there’s going to be people who really get in the way and become a liability. This video really does help for those who actually want to go out and do something. We thought we could help with the looters (we were 0311) but we ended up handing out blankets, building cots, handing out food and moving supplies. Once again good sh*t Dirty Civilians on another great video.
From working this storm as an arborist, my helmet and chain saw pants were with me everytime I was out side the truck working. Also bring 2/3 bars for every saw, double that for chains, and put saw tools everywhere for when you loose them or throw a chain. I like to keep wedges in my saw pants or chaps for when you think your going to pinch your saw
Hey guys, this info is common sense explained for dummies, great job, most of the aspects u mentioned I did myself in Valencia (Spain), where I went to help in the flood disaster. Cheers for ur work, u may be helping people from all over the word without even knowing it!
Good stuff guys. The be flexable part is HUGE! We went with a load of relief supplies and I tore a hamstring while there. I switched to comic relief and helped direct traffic after that. Thank you for your content.
This is the follow up video that I was looking forward to, thanks for putting this out there. At first I was excited for a checklist of what gear to bring but this was WAY more valuable. I can get a checklist with a simple google search but this explanation and you guys speaking from experience is just what I needed. I plan on volunteering for things like this now that I have a job that lets me take time off more freely.
Great video guys. I'd definitely agree that not having an ego definitely helps. Having the ability to lead and be led are very important. Another thing I'd add is keeping a basic first aid kit on your person. During a tornado cleanup last year, it became clear that just because the event was over doesn't mean people are done getting hurt!
At 12 minutes...Hopefully, if you're considering going to help in a disaster situation, your own house is squared away. Apply what's in this video to your everyday life. Great info in this video. Thanks.
I’ve been half tempted for a while now to build out a custom 7” FPV drone and Jerry rig some sort of thermal relay to it specifically for these sorts of scenarios
I purchased from 100 concepts and I was not disappointed!!! Instruction was smooth and easy to assemble (light cap). Will definitely be looking into them again for helmet accessories once I’m in the market.
As a person who was in Asheville through the hurricane, ran with multiple supply convoys to towns outside Asheville after Hellene, and spent 4 days doing relief immediately after, this video is spot on and is what I wish more people were prepared for when they came to help. If you show up in a $100k pickup and a shiny lifted SxS with a case of water and a chainsaw, you aren't there to help. Not all jobs are glorious and cool. The purpose is to help others, not show off your own toys.
Another great video guys! Maybe a future video with some expert guests on fusing the intel, TAK-Civ/comms, OPs synchronization, & logistics into a command post talking more detail about how they ran their disaster relief organization early on through tear down?
A small suggestion that makes a large impact for the next event down the road either to be used at your home in your local community or as traveling support , is to compile a comprehensive list of all your Gear, equipment, tools, supplies, clothing ahead of time. This makes it much simpler for you, family neighbors, and loved ones together things on short notice that may not be as prepared as you and have yet to implement a disaster plan. Most of us know what these items are off the top of our heads, but our spouses and children who are able to help may not be as familiar with these items and that’s where this list is extremely helpful. Another good thing to detail out in your list is noting how long you are able to sustain off of certain quantities (ie: water, food, socks, batteries)and continually update those details and refine your list.
Growing up in Florida we would end up doing hurricane relief at least yearly. We would always bring equipment in but in addition we would bring sustainment and camping equipment or stuff to sleep in the trucks.
Please do a kit, get home/go bag! I live 30 min away from L.A and dealing with these huge fires. I saw people that had to flee on foot and leave their cars. Could you assist with that?
First of all, GREAT episode. As much as packing lists make me giddy, it was fantastic to this specific subject covered (something I've preached elsewhere). For all of the things you packed/mentioned here, what vehicle did you actually transport it with and how was it packed/secured? What was the vehicle set up like to allow for this trip/support? I think it would be another great episode to go over that - also speaks to eliminating the liability on the road and showing others how to not just throw it all in a vehicle and go.
SAR here. all you’ve mentioned are correct. i’ve experienced running out of water, food and comms due to running out of power during SAR operations. there’s only a lot you can carry when the “road” is only accessible by foot…
This video made me realize I need to step my game up. I have always wanted to help with natural disasters but never have the financial means to leave and help. But I don’t ever want to be a liability, so I need to train harder.
I learned a lot my first time working in Burnsville and Asheville, i agree with pretty much everything you said...come prepared to be self reliant and have a jumping off point before you arrive
Side note. A person I know, former LA Sheriff, who had all the preparations? 8 months food, water, firearms and ammo? Lost all in an hour in the fires of LA. His gun safes melted down with all contents to piles of molten metal.
The Campbell County Militia sent a team down to NC (Burnesville/Pensacola area) less than 2 weeks after the storm. Here were some of our takeaways (definitely some overlap in the video): 1. Scale your loadout to the vibe. No one--not the law enforcement in the area, not the military (which had a huge presence), not the other civilian elements--was rocking full kit. Absolutely no reason for you to either. A simple belt with a handgun, IFAK, and some other odds and ends was more than enough to ensure proper security. Long guns stayed at the TOC. 2. Don't expect to be told what to do. While we arrived almost 2 weeks after the storm, it was still fairly chaotic. You absolutely *have* to be intentional and to have initiative. Find something that needs doing and do it. 3. The main supply hubs were where we got most "work." People who were capable of getting out of their driveways could tell us where those who were cut off lived and who might have needed help. 4. Check your ego at the door. You're no one. You're not a local. If you try to walk around like you own the place, you may very well get run off. That actually happened to a group while we were there. I won't name names. 5. It's not a bad idea to start at the churches and fire departments, but be quick and concise when talking to the local leaders. Take whatever work you can get at first. Display competence in the small tasks, and you will likely be asked to take on more (and more difficult) work. 6. Comms comms and then comms. Alot of our work came over the radio. If you can grab a HAM operator with a mobile base station, you're miles ahead of the game. In a disaster of that scale, cell towers will likely be down (we only had cell comms directly in Burnesville--go 2 miles outside the town and signal was gone). Have a phone with offline maps--OSMand and ATAK were huge assets for us. 7. Obviously, be self-sufficient. If you're a drain on local resources in any way shape or form, you're better off not being there. We set up next to a defunct Pizza Hut. Out of the way and no one cared. 8. Honestly, communications and interpersonal skills are critical. Give off good vibes. Listen to people. Connect with them. Charisma wins all day every day.
I just recently discovered your channel the content and information is next level! I wanted to recommend a new piece to add to your kit that I just found out about. I’m from the hunting community and love new gear that gets released. The Tethrd SABr was just released at the ATA show. It’s a handheld foldable saw that can be attached to a tree limb to transform it into a pole saw. It’s roughly the same size as shown in some of your previous videos but opens up the realm of uses without the bulkiness of a pole mounted saw. Love the content and I hope this comment finds you to hopefully see it put to use in future videos!
The lessons that Poland has learned from its floods from couple of months ago is that 1) If you're not from the local area, do NOT bring more food and water, because that's easily buyable and sendable more locally, instead prepare something, that is harder to get immediately in the disaster area (like mentioned in the video power generators, power tools etc.) 2) You NEED to ask the community, what's actually the most important thing they need to deal with. There was a story of how a truck brought a pallet of water near the church for the locals, but noone knew what to do with it, whether or not it's for the locals or maybe it's for some other souls and they didn't touch it. If only there was someone, who actually distributed it around the place... 3) If you want to play security, then make sure law enforcement knows what you're doing and that they've agreed for that kind of help, otherwise you will be mistaken as a looter. Here in Poland there were a couple of patrols, but because military was sent with NVGs, looting was very limited and didn't need much help from patrols.
A "En route" option is running atak with a central server that someone at home can monitor. Since you've covered starlink internet should not be an issue if cellular is down. Comms - text message is better than a phone call.
Tbh I would be just as excited as the next guy to do all the cool stuff but really being legitimately productive even at the cost of boredom is so much more important even in everyday life doing simple but necessary tasks to relieve others of that burden is worth it and hey if you’ve spent your whole life doing the mundane effectively then when it really does come down to life changing scenarios that you want to be a part of you’ll make that much more of an impact!
Drew and Josh are hotter than the palisades. As a poor myself I always appreciate the tips, mild tricks, and straight up toxic masculinity that is so beyond needed in this country and for our communities.
Has the channel thought about a video talking about what to grab if you have to leave your house? Like war breaks out or wild fire and u only have so long to grab the important stuff and run. Passports birth certificate insurance info, all possible food and clothing. Like u can’t take everything but the mind set needs to be “I’m never seeing any of this again what can I not live without and what will I need for a displaced life”
As someone that has actually assisted with civilian Militia related activities in the aftermath of a major hurricane, I can honestly say the government/authorities are often the problem. They want to run the show instead of letting the Militiamen and the locals take care of their own people. It makes them look bad when the community does for itself what the government claims it can do for us.
Almost there guys! I saw your first title correction. It should read "not be part of the problem" Feel free to delete my comment after the correction. Keep up the great work!
The edgy, knife guy, redditor in the local friend group finds this channel to be too try hard and larpy. Honestly, guy has no idea wtf he's talking about. Y'all dont take the larping too seriously and, I find, it a hilarious and more entertaining way to translate genuinely important information. Keep it up, you guys are great and I always learn something new.
Not going to lie, I just had the video playing in the background, but once Drew interrupted Josh telling him that he’s boring, I started actually paying attention. Well, done for my attention sake.😂👏🏽
Hahaha it actually happened. We started getting bored and just played it out like we were feeling it and ended up laughing so hard about it.
That’s why I love these guys. They’re just so care free about it.
Biggest lesson is leave your ego at the door. Be self sufficient , prepare for hours standing around not doing very much followed by hours or days without rest. Realise your contribution to a bigger picture. Get the basics right and be positive in the face of adversity.
Good stuff!
I leave my ego at the door as soon as I leave home. I tell people it can save your life and at the end of the day, you're still a nobody, just like everyone else. Just worry about mattering to those who matter most to you, that's all you can want in life.
Making sure YOUR family is okay before you go off… boy do so many people in this space need to hear that. Helping others but not your own wife and kids is a special type of stupid. Thanks for spelling that out guys, even some professionals in this space still haven’t learned that lesson 🤦♂️
Biggest battle of the hurricane living in Asheville was watching my friends hike into remote areas while I had to sit at home and help the local neighborhood because I tore my foot off last year and have been learning to walk again. Too big of a risk than an asset. Tough pill to swallow but had to do it.
Hey man, sometimes you just have to heal up and do what you can. Happens to everyone at some point!
@@dirty-civilian for sure. Patched some tires, fed some neighbors, relayed some info etc. But when there’s no one coming to save you, being humble with what you’re capable of doing to not create another problem it’s critical.
One lady I helped popped a tire “because she just had to get cigarettes”.
@@MicajahMcCurry Helping your immediate neighbors was just as important. You did what was right and helped where you could. God had you there for a reason brother.
Bless up dude, don’t be too hard on yourself ❤️🙏🏽❤️
You still done good, and you deserve to be kind to yourself king
The Lord calls us where we are needed. Glad you could help where you were placed.
Speaking as a former firefighter in California, my best advice is to volunteer in an area you are an expert in. Cook if you know how to do that. Run a chainsaw if you know how to do that. Run heavy equipment to help with demolition and debris removal if you are equipped and proficient in that area. A disaster area is NOT a time or place to try doing things you don’t know how to or are not equipped to do. Additionally, show up prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible. Finally, the local first responders will usually be the folks with boots on the ground, knowing where resources are and where they are needed.
Content like this should be used as PSA's thats used in school and public/local gov meetings!
100%
It's amazing how many government outfits won't buy the necessary shit ahead of time because the budget associated with a specific emergency response hasn't been created yet.
The video for gov officials should start with "dont be a f***bag"
A couple days after Helene hit, a buddy and I drove up to Hendersonville to try to help clear debris and quickly realized that our shovel, sawzall, and rakes would do nothing. We ended up unloading trucks and distributing food at a church which was about all we could do at that point. We wanted to get our hands dirty and clear debris but realized we would be more liability than asset at that point.
Sometimes thats just how it goes, but you still found a way to help. Thats a win.
As a Hendersonville resident, thank you for doing what you could!
@@drewgo224happy to help
Thanks for recognizing what we needed, checking that ego at the door, and getting after it!
@@MicajahMcCurry we thought it was going to be easy work but the amount of supplies that people dropped off to that Baptist Church was nuts. We moved all day. So many Baptist organizations came from all over to donate. I'm not religious, but if I chose one, I would be Baptist after that
As someone who doesn’t have the money to go to classes right now. This channel has been the best. Thank you guys, keep it up!
Good Lord, it’s Jesus Christ Himself
Even Jesus is broke, now I feel better about myself😂
@BigFootTactical11 …yeah
I spent a month on mission and I greatly appreciate this video. My team and I helped establish a few central command centers where we set up our own TOC's, very well run (something the government can't do for some reason) A major issue we ran into about 3 weeks in were very unprepared volunteers. They came in the hundreds and they came with the heart but many did not come prepared at all. There was a point where several groups of volunteers were caught out in the snow/cold and we had to allocate precious resources and supplies to insure they didn't freeze to death. Speaking of government, we also had to supply the National Guard with watch caps and gloves. Another issue we ran into were "well coordinated" groups that came in unannounced with terrible egos. These groups would wander off into the mountains in search of people and destroyed neighborhoods only to get lost because... They had no maps and no communications with any of the EOC's or our TOC's. Anyways, I could go off. Whoever is reading this though, get yourself a radio. Comms made a huge difference on mission and we were handing our radios like candy. Made a huge difference.
"Don't cut your leg off... that could have been a great opener." - Possibly the best lost intro of 2025
Haha, yeah we tend to not do ridiculous intros on disaster relief videos as it can kind of be in bad taste. Plus with all the fires in Cali... it would just be bad timing.
Thank you for making this video. The last 10 minutes are SUPER IMPORTANT. I've done several rescue/recovery/relief trips with friends, and your conduct as a volunteer is crucial. It's a good idea to bring a toy hauler for these trips. It makes extra fuel/food/water and a generator much easier to bring along. You can even sleep in it.
The point about "you might be doing something other than what you imagined" is huge... can't be overstated, people need to go into it with the right mindset. Let them know what unique capabilities you are bringing to the table, but understand in that moment the incident commander or relief coordinator may need you doing other things.
One thing I think is super important from my limited experience in search and rescue and emergency management is it’s super important to have some sort of roll call sheet established early so you can account for personnel and their tasks and locations, you don’t want to find out that five guys went out and four came back hours after they’ve returned. This is usually on the incident commander but the onus is on everyone to make sure that this is done and if it isn’t making sure it gets established.
Accurate. I've made five trips to NC jobs consisting of initial recon, body recovery, chainsaw work to handing out food. It was pretty cool to see your experience was almost identical to ours. We had a great success with GMRS, not only were we able to communicate with each other but we were able to get vital intel from residents on the mountain. There were several victims that had base stations still active. We also used a combination of GMRS and Garmin Inreach to relay information down the mountains and stay in touch with our families back home. Our assignment started out as security, moved to medical and then to supply chain distributions. Be willing to help where you are needed.
some thoughts from a sawyer who lives in WNC - while chainsaws are fantastic tools and it can be relatively simple to buck things up without lots of prior training, do NOT overestimate your capabilities with one. i would honestly not recommend new sawyers without actual training (not a youtube video) to be using a saw in a disaster area. a great way to be a drag on resources is having to get airlifted out because you didnt know how to read tension and bind in a complex job and you got whacked, crushed, cut, etc. some of the most experienced sawyers i know got seriously injured right after the storm, not because they were stupid but because the types of hang ups and binds are way more difficult than your standard felling and bucking. theres a lot of people (mostly dudes) who get all up in their egos about wanting to use a chainsaw but none of them will haul brush/clear the site once the cuts are done. you really dont need 5 guys simultaneously cutting the same 40 foot pine. if you ever feel like you cant do a job safely, dont do it. there will be a dozen dudes with saws and zero self preservation instinct to take your place. haul some brush.
You are 💯correct.
Using saws is very dangerous.
Just as everything you described.
I'll add to it also.
Even a 3/4in sapling will have you thinking about your life.
Bound up in my saw, broke my chain and the chain whipped around and forcefully grazed the bridge of my nose. All in about 1/2 second.
Almost 20 years later there is still a scar.
I have enough time behind a saw to know what not to do and to evaluate ALL cuts.
Trimmed for Bellsouth/ATT and a few power distributors in the SE. Long walks in the Appalachians. Carrying gear. Loved and hated it. Chilling in a tree, spring/fall❤.
Honestly though, scariest moment was when a bear was at the bottom of the tree inwas in. Sniffed around, looked up, put front paws on my tree, I dabbled some of the gas in my saw on it. Worked well. Must of went up the nose😅
Yup. Its important to understand that there are 100s if not 1000s of jobs that need to get done. You can cut the trees all day long, but that one sawyer isnt moving it all on his own. He can cut and cut and still not clear a road if he doesnt have the support of a few extra hands to move the brush.
I learned this from my grandfathers. They were both in the tail end of ww2. Both were "potato peelers". Without food, without logistics, the cool guys cant do the cool jobs.
@paladin556 at least they had potatoes. the commies our nation sided with, fought for them just to survive.
You guys are always spot on with your content. Thanks for sharing.
Nice outro message, this info is more important to being a good American than having a sixth rifle/nods/plate carrier. Also the electronic display is a nice piece of equipment for making points.
Great topic. Not being part of the problem is a hard concept for some people. Fortunately volunteering makes you a better human being and helps you appreciate what you have. There doesn’t even need to be a disaster.
Thank you for bringing this topic to the front of the conversation. Between the "main character energy" and the "hot mess with good intentions" mentalities, a lot of folks need to be brought back to the reality that disaster zones are not pre planned mission trip vacations. I've mostly done wildfires, but the lesson there was the same. Be self sustained for at least a week, and do what makes you valuable.
LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!! Not military (wish I was..) just a teacher, but learning so much to be strong and independent. Thank You!
As a volunteer myself and working in emergency services and having knowledge on this all i can say is thank you to these guys because everyone who watches this video will be able to help alot more then being a pain when in the rescue or relief effort and i honestly cant thank these guys enough for this sorta content because its very educational and helps services and loads of people in many ways so big thank you to you guys! And thanks for your service as volunteers and i think you guys are ex-military aswell so thanks for your service
An outstanding follow up video to the first Helene Response video. Loved it. So many lessons learned for myself and my family after experiencing this disaster.
As LEO I still had to show up for work in Western NC and had to take care of my own family that was affected by the storm on my time off (resupply water, fuel, food, etc.). The point you made about making sure your own family was secure and safe before leaving to try and help others was very difficult for me to deal with at the time. Sometimes you have to be okay with letting others come to help you, or with "outsiders" going to help while you handle your own. By making sure your own family is taken care of by your own preparedness when affected by these disasters, you are letting those resources help elsewhere. Thank you DC for keeping these lessons fresh on the mind.
This is why education and training is important, when you are willing to help that's good, but when you are trained that's even better
21:58 hell yeah man. excellent point, great video.
9:02 these guys brought back that old married couple energy
From a former volunteer firefighter, thank you for volunteering to help the people of NC, when you could have stayed home safe and sound. You're rockstars!
Oh yeah early 🐦
This channel continues to be one of the most informative on the tube, I appreciate you guys and what your doing
Thanks, appreciate it!
17:17 I would also suggest doing a final inventory before you enter a space. It saves you from having to run back out of the space or being a tax. I’ve learned alot about this from road tripping everywhere. For instance we just traveled into Orlando but fuel is cheaper in Georgia so not only did I have to check our fuel on the way out of GA we also have to be mindful of the fuel consumption. Keep consistent inventory of your supply I use excel for my inventory management just check your equipment once a month and the easiest way to do this is colorful tape and zip ties and keep your kit sealed with alike expiry dates and write it on the bin and your inventory management so when you’re getting close cycle that to training equipment and cycle in new stuff. I’m still very green in this space as well as the roadtrip space but I’m thinking about making content from the perspective of a poor husband and wife making micro steps to being prepared. Afterpay and ammo squared is how we are funding our preparedness right now and we would remain committed to buying our own equipment never run an add unless it’s a product we organically use etc. if you like boring rants like this like it if I get 50 I’ll make a video
A good friend and I who served together went to L.A to help out as much as we could with the fire going on and let me tell y’all. Some people were so incompetent it was bewildering. A lot of those “helpers” were L.A natives who went to one of the evacuees site and took pictures for their Instagram and left. I sh*t you not there’s going to be people who really get in the way and become a liability. This video really does help for those who actually want to go out and do something. We thought we could help with the looters (we were 0311) but we ended up handing out blankets, building cots, handing out food and moving supplies. Once again good sh*t Dirty Civilians on another great video.
From working this storm as an arborist, my helmet and chain saw pants were with me everytime I was out side the truck working. Also bring 2/3 bars for every saw, double that for chains, and put saw tools everywhere for when you loose them or throw a chain. I like to keep wedges in my saw pants or chaps for when you think your going to pinch your saw
Hey guys, this info is common sense explained for dummies, great job, most of the aspects u mentioned I did myself in Valencia (Spain), where I went to help in the flood disaster. Cheers for ur work, u may be helping people from all over the word without even knowing it!
Good stuff guys. The be flexable part is HUGE! We went with a load of relief supplies and I tore a hamstring while there. I switched to comic relief and helped direct traffic after that. Thank you for your content.
This is the follow up video that I was looking forward to, thanks for putting this out there. At first I was excited for a checklist of what gear to bring but this was WAY more valuable. I can get a checklist with a simple google search but this explanation and you guys speaking from experience is just what I needed. I plan on volunteering for things like this now that I have a job that lets me take time off more freely.
The technology and lighting really elevate these videos. Great content!!!
Great video guys. I'd definitely agree that not having an ego definitely helps. Having the ability to lead and be led are very important. Another thing I'd add is keeping a basic first aid kit on your person. During a tornado cleanup last year, it became clear that just because the event was over doesn't mean people are done getting hurt!
At 12 minutes...Hopefully, if you're considering going to help in a disaster situation, your own house is squared away. Apply what's in this video to your everyday life. Great info in this video. Thanks.
This above all
When it comes to maps, ATAK-Civ, and Meshtastic are great communications and mapping tools that can be used from/via smartphone.
Well done guys, I think this is my all time favorite video
I’ve been half tempted for a while now to build out a custom 7” FPV drone and Jerry rig some sort of thermal relay to it specifically for these sorts of scenarios
Excellent timing as our church was talking this morning about being a part of the solution to California, even when we are half the nation away
I purchased from 100 concepts and I was not disappointed!!! Instruction was smooth and easy to assemble (light cap). Will definitely be looking into them again for helmet accessories once I’m in the market.
As a person who was in Asheville through the hurricane, ran with multiple supply convoys to towns outside Asheville after Hellene, and spent 4 days doing relief immediately after, this video is spot on and is what I wish more people were prepared for when they came to help. If you show up in a $100k pickup and a shiny lifted SxS with a case of water and a chainsaw, you aren't there to help. Not all jobs are glorious and cool. The purpose is to help others, not show off your own toys.
Another great video guys!
Maybe a future video with some expert guests on fusing the intel, TAK-Civ/comms, OPs synchronization, & logistics into a command post talking more detail about how they ran their disaster relief organization early on through tear down?
Good job fellas!
A small suggestion that makes a large impact for the next event down the road either to be used at your home in your local community or as traveling support , is to compile a comprehensive list of all your Gear, equipment, tools, supplies, clothing ahead of time. This makes it much simpler for you, family neighbors, and loved ones together things on short notice that may not be as prepared as you and have yet to implement a disaster plan. Most of us know what these items are off the top of our heads, but our spouses and children who are able to help may not be as familiar with these items and that’s where this list is extremely helpful. Another good thing to detail out in your list is noting how long you are able to sustain off of certain quantities (ie: water, food, socks, batteries)and continually update those details and refine your list.
Love your guys videos! Good work! Don’t forget creating content about building strong families.
Growing up in Florida we would end up doing hurricane relief at least yearly. We would always bring equipment in but in addition we would bring sustainment and camping equipment or stuff to sleep in the trucks.
Thank you guys for the enrichment you bring
This should be a 101 on how to be a volunteer in a natural disaster!!!
You can also partner with larger organizations like Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
Well put together presentation. Thank you.
Damn I didn't think I'd see an RV reference in this video lol. My cousin was in that movie!
Beautifully done gentlemen!
"That would have been a great opener " 😂😂😂😂 hell yeah! Missed the opportunity there 😅
Please do a kit, get home/go bag! I live 30 min away from L.A and dealing with these huge fires. I saw people that had to flee on foot and leave their cars. Could you assist with that?
First of all, GREAT episode. As much as packing lists make me giddy, it was fantastic to this specific subject covered (something I've preached elsewhere).
For all of the things you packed/mentioned here, what vehicle did you actually transport it with and how was it packed/secured? What was the vehicle set up like to allow for this trip/support?
I think it would be another great episode to go over that - also speaks to eliminating the liability on the road and showing others how to not just throw it all in a vehicle and go.
Good video, gentlemen. Thank you.
SAR here. all you’ve mentioned are correct. i’ve experienced running out of water, food and comms due to running out of power during SAR operations. there’s only a lot you can carry when the “road” is only accessible by foot…
Great Topic - Good Job 👍
This video made me realize I need to step my game up. I have always wanted to help with natural disasters but never have the financial means to leave and help. But I don’t ever want to be a liability, so I need to train harder.
I learned a lot my first time working in Burnsville and Asheville, i agree with pretty much everything you said...come prepared to be self reliant and have a jumping off point before you arrive
Man Madison County in general got hit HARD, I m from asheville but spent ALOT of time in Burnsville doing recovery/supply runs.
You guys are hilarious. I love the content. Keep it coming.
Side note. A person I know, former LA Sheriff, who had all the preparations? 8 months food, water, firearms and ammo? Lost all in an hour in the fires of LA. His gun safes melted down with all contents to piles of molten metal.
You guys hit everything! Thanks
Excellent point!!
The Campbell County Militia sent a team down to NC (Burnesville/Pensacola area) less than 2 weeks after the storm. Here were some of our takeaways (definitely some overlap in the video):
1. Scale your loadout to the vibe. No one--not the law enforcement in the area, not the military (which had a huge presence), not the other civilian elements--was rocking full kit. Absolutely no reason for you to either. A simple belt with a handgun, IFAK, and some other odds and ends was more than enough to ensure proper security. Long guns stayed at the TOC.
2. Don't expect to be told what to do. While we arrived almost 2 weeks after the storm, it was still fairly chaotic. You absolutely *have* to be intentional and to have initiative. Find something that needs doing and do it.
3. The main supply hubs were where we got most "work." People who were capable of getting out of their driveways could tell us where those who were cut off lived and who might have needed help.
4. Check your ego at the door. You're no one. You're not a local. If you try to walk around like you own the place, you may very well get run off. That actually happened to a group while we were there. I won't name names.
5. It's not a bad idea to start at the churches and fire departments, but be quick and concise when talking to the local leaders. Take whatever work you can get at first. Display competence in the small tasks, and you will likely be asked to take on more (and more difficult) work.
6. Comms comms and then comms. Alot of our work came over the radio. If you can grab a HAM operator with a mobile base station, you're miles ahead of the game. In a disaster of that scale, cell towers will likely be down (we only had cell comms directly in Burnesville--go 2 miles outside the town and signal was gone). Have a phone with offline maps--OSMand and ATAK were huge assets for us.
7. Obviously, be self-sufficient. If you're a drain on local resources in any way shape or form, you're better off not being there. We set up next to a defunct Pizza Hut. Out of the way and no one cared.
8. Honestly, communications and interpersonal skills are critical. Give off good vibes. Listen to people. Connect with them. Charisma wins all day every day.
Thank you. great video!
I just recently discovered your channel the content and information is next level! I wanted to recommend a new piece to add to your kit that I just found out about. I’m from the hunting community and love new gear that gets released. The Tethrd SABr was just released at the ATA show. It’s a handheld foldable saw that can be attached to a tree limb to transform it into a pole saw. It’s roughly the same size as shown in some of your previous videos but opens up the realm of uses without the bulkiness of a pole mounted saw. Love the content and I hope this comment finds you to hopefully see it put to use in future videos!
Great content! And I really appreciate you guys keeping it late and very funny!
Excellent content
The lessons that Poland has learned from its floods from couple of months ago is that
1) If you're not from the local area, do NOT bring more food and water, because that's easily buyable and sendable more locally, instead prepare something, that is harder to get immediately in the disaster area (like mentioned in the video power generators, power tools etc.)
2) You NEED to ask the community, what's actually the most important thing they need to deal with. There was a story of how a truck brought a pallet of water near the church for the locals, but noone knew what to do with it, whether or not it's for the locals or maybe it's for some other souls and they didn't touch it. If only there was someone, who actually distributed it around the place...
3) If you want to play security, then make sure law enforcement knows what you're doing and that they've agreed for that kind of help, otherwise you will be mistaken as a looter. Here in Poland there were a couple of patrols, but because military was sent with NVGs, looting was very limited and didn't need much help from patrols.
A "En route" option is running atak with a central server that someone at home can monitor. Since you've covered starlink internet should not be an issue if cellular is down. Comms - text message is better than a phone call.
Great discusion, especially about attitude.
Great video. Don’t mind the smart board either really just keep it simple on there.
Tbh I would be just as excited as the next guy to do all the cool stuff but really being legitimately productive even at the cost of boredom is so much more important even in everyday life doing simple but necessary tasks to relieve others of that burden is worth it and hey if you’ve spent your whole life doing the mundane effectively then when it really does come down to life changing scenarios that you want to be a part of you’ll make that much more of an impact!
6:36 the dedication to film this tiny bit is admirable. Also it’s f*cking hilarious 😂
GREAT VIDEO!
Thank you!
Thanks!
Way to go yall
Great vid
Great content!!! Built-in ego check. Love it.
Drew and Josh are hotter than the palisades. As a poor myself I always appreciate the tips, mild tricks, and straight up toxic masculinity that is so beyond needed in this country and for our communities.
Has the channel thought about a video talking about what to grab if you have to leave your house? Like war breaks out or wild fire and u only have so long to grab the important stuff and run. Passports birth certificate insurance info, all possible food and clothing.
Like u can’t take everything but the mind set needs to be “I’m never seeing any of this again what can I not live without and what will I need for a displaced life”
From what I gather from this video is I am to poor to be of any help.
Not at all... link up with Samaritans Purse and they'll do most of this for you.
Great video 🔥
“U got ur widdle wadder….”
General good rule of thump is for every 1 liability you need 3 assets
As someone that has actually assisted with civilian Militia related activities in the aftermath of a major hurricane, I can honestly say the government/authorities are often the problem. They want to run the show instead of letting the Militiamen and the locals take care of their own people. It makes them look bad when the community does for itself what the government claims it can do for us.
GREAT content👊
Almost there guys! I saw your first title correction. It should read "not be part of the problem" Feel free to delete my comment after the correction. Keep up the great work!
Nah, you are the hero of the day and we're going to let the comment live forever. Well done dude. :)
As always good stuff bois
Haha SERE instructor and family squared away
I love the diarrhea scene! 😂 like always great educational content. Thx!
Be self reliant, seeking out ways to help, have a positive attitude and be easy to work with
👍 Must watch video 🙏
Bad actors???
Frustratingly Evil Monkey Asses? Greedy sheriffs? Undocumented moving men?
Dang. The sidekick went all Hans Gruber there for a minute.
The edgy, knife guy, redditor in the local friend group finds this channel to be too try hard and larpy. Honestly, guy has no idea wtf he's talking about. Y'all dont take the larping too seriously and, I find, it a hilarious and more entertaining way to translate genuinely important information. Keep it up, you guys are great and I always learn something new.
I need a saw.
@8:17.... I now feel personally attacked 😅
Get your CERT training and build from there. That should be the first step.