Advice for Surviving a Disaster: Be Selfish and Small-Minded

In the base camp of my fifth federally declared disaster deployment this year, I sit surrounded by the sounds of colleagues crawling in and out of bunks in this converted semi-trailer. I find myself reflecting on a friend’s recent question: “How can I best help in a disaster?” My answer might be surprising: be selfish and small-minded.

Taking an Inward Focus

That advice might sound counterintuitive. In this line of work, though, emergency responders are here to help communities on the worst days of their lives. It is easy to get so absorbed in the mission that the basics of self-care are forgotten or overlooked. However, without self-care, it is difficult to fully help anyone else. So, “be selfish” really means listening to one’s own body and responding to what it needs. When thirsty, get a drink. Hungry? Grab a bite. Tired? Take a break. However, self-care is not just about self; it is about being in the best possible shape to help others.

By practicing self-care, it becomes easier to expand that “selfishness” to others. For example, if one person is thirsty, chances are others are too. Getting a drink is a reminder to grab drinks for others as well. This simple act of self-care ensures everyone is staying hydrated and energized to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Modeling self-care actions can help others feel more comfortable taking care of themselves. So, be selfish. Take a moment for self-checks. Then, use that assessment as a reminder to check in with the rest of the team. This process is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to stay effective when the days are long, and the work is hard. The following are ways to practice self-care during a deployment:

• Bring Comfort Food and Drinks: Packing familiar snacks and beverages can provide comfort and ease on tough days.
• Prioritize Quality Sleep: Bring quality sheets, pillows, earplugs, travel fan, and an eye mask. Rest is crucial, whether sleeping in a car, trailer, or conference room.
• Communicate Honestly: When feeling overwhelmed, share feelings with the team. Open communication fosters support and may help others feel the same way.
• Take a Moment for Reflection: When appropriate, step away to appreciate the local community. A moment of reflection can provide a fresh perspective and a sense of calm.

Tackling the Small Stuff

Disasters are overwhelming by nature. They create big problems that demand big solutions, which often take time. Paradoxically, being small-minded, or, focusing on the small things can make all the difference in the motivation of responders and community members. A recent deployment involved a flood-ravaged community without water, sewer, or power. These are overwhelming problems and fixing them takes weeks or months.

However, during that deployment, there was one tiny task that could be handled right away. A table had been displaced by the flood, blocking a parking spot. It took two people all of three minutes to move it back. Sure, it did not restore the community’s power grid, but opening that spot removed one small obstacle from the locals’ day. At that moment, there was a visible sign of progress, a small step toward normalcy.

Focusing on these “small” tasks creates immediate, tangible wins that provide motivation and help maintain momentum. Seeing these changes and making a difference for the community, even in small ways, motivates all involved. Disasters can be daunting, but focusing on tiny victories can offer responders and those around them the motivation to keep pressing forward. Following are examples of small tasks that have a significant impact:

• Clean Along the Way: Sweeping sidewalks or tidying entryways at public buildings can bring a sense of normalcy and hope.
• Listen to Locals: Conversations with community members can offer comfort and show solidarity.
• Clear Debris in Common Areas: Removing small debris from gathering spots helps make these spaces feel safe and welcoming again.
• Restore Simple Amenities: Fixing minor damages, like broken benches or lights, can greatly improve community spirit and resilience.
• Replace Damaged Symbols: Restoring these items, such as flags and signs, can boost community morale and foster a sense of pride.

Making a Difference

In the field during a response, remember to be selfish enough to practice self-care, and think small enough to find and celebrate little wins. Future disasters will keep testing communities and the responders who come to their aid. Staying selfish and thinking small better equips responders to make a big difference when it matters most. After all, there is a good lesson in the saying that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Adding to that lesson, do not forget to savor every bite along the way.