Looks like I'm heading to NO... What should I take?

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Gun-wise:

Since you have significant experience with your CZ-52 and it's proven reliable, that's what I'd recommend taking. Familiarity and reliability are force multipliers. I concur with the previous poster about getting a spare firing pin or two. If you can afford it, pick up a second CZ-52 as a backup gun, in case the first gets confiscated or goes completely tango uniform. Have a minimum of three tried and tested magazines per gun. More would be better.

If for some reason you don't feel comfortable with the CZ-52, or want something that takes ammo that's easier to find, check out the Ruger P-95. They aren't as "cool" as Glocks or SIGs, but Rugers are one of the very few guns I'd not worry too much with if I had to trust my life to it straight from the box. They go for under $300 used, about $400 new, are rugged and AK-reliable.

Between the pistol and shotgun, you're covered for defensive firepower. Realistically, you're not running search and destroy ops, and you can't effectively employ more than one at a time.

The Otis "Tactical" cleaning kits are excellent for field maintenance. They are light, compact, and will take care of both your pistol and shotgun. They come with Otis CLP but I have no idea how good it is, so you might want to throw a bottle of BreakFree CLP in your gear. I've also had excellent results with plain old Castrol automatic transmission fluid as a CLP. Bring extra cleaning patches.

Stow spare ammo and cleaning supplies in .50 caliber ammo cans. They are rugged, cheap, and water tight.

Some Other items:

* Comprehensive first aid kit and the knowledge how to use what it contains.
* Water filter + canteens/Nalgene bottles/hydration system.
* Water. At least a 5 gallon jug, preferably a couple if you can fit them in your truck.
* A couple cases of MREs.
* One of those milsurp mess kits with a small stove. This way you don't have to depend on someone else supplying clean eating utensils.
* Case of unscented baby wipes. Great for quick clean ups.
* Plenty of toothpaste and soap.
* Flashlights and plenty of batteries.
* Light sticks.
* Flare pistol and flares would be good for attacting attention.
* Pack a subset of all your stuff into a comfortable backpack in case you need to hoof it out.
* FRS/GMRS radios and/or CB.
* Police/fire scanner.
* NOAA Weather radio (often incorporated into scanner or CB).

Don't forget, too, that hurricane season isn't over until mid-October!

Stay safe, make a lot of dough, and have fun.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys!

I'm taking my CZ-52, and I found another one I'm going to buy at a pawn shop. I have 5 tested magazines for it already, and 2 more coming with the new gun. I have 1k rounds of S&B 7.62 Tok, DONATED to me by a local gun store when I told them why I wanted so much. They have my business for quite some time! I'm ordering another 10 boxes of JHP from makarov.com, hoping it actually arrives, I've had trouble with them in the past. I have a stainless firing pin for my CZ, and I'll take the still good factory pin as backup. I have a cheap-o nylon holster with a clip, also from makarov.com, that I can use as an IWB holster. It prints a bit, but I wear patterned shirts, and I doubt anyone will care down there anyhow.

I'm brining large cases of walmart drinking water. My employer is *supposed* to have clean food and water available, so I can refill the bottles from their supply. If something happens, that should be enough water to get me out of NO.

I dug up a hiking backpack as well. I'm not going to be taking my vehicle into NO, it will be left in SW Alabama, and all my stuff is being loaded into a company truck. If for some reason I have to walk out of NO, I want to have at least food, water, and some ammo.

Thanks for all the tips guys! Keep 'em coming, I'll be checking this thread until the moment I leave, should be Saturday morning.
 
In addition to everything listed so far, make sure that all of your immunizations are up to date. It wouldn't be a bad idea to make a visit to the doc and have him give you all the shots he would give you if you were headed to the most remote backwater on the planet.

There are going to all kinds of nasty diseases to avoid.
 
I would go with the two CZ-52 pistols. I hope the extra ammo gets to you in time. I wouldnt take a rifle but if you wanted one I would probably take a $100 sks. They will run forever and ammo is cheap. Also no huge loss if the rifle is stolen. I do the same work as you but work for SSA. I am interested in helping out and doing something like you are. I have a CDL and may be bringing a load of light poles down next weekend if my buddy has an extra eighteen wheeler not already going.
 
Good luck!

I suggest that you get a map of NOLA and carry it with you in a ziploc bag. If, heaven forbid, things get even worse and ya'll have to bug out, you don't want to get lost. You may also want the map for figuring out alternative routes around blocked/flooded areas.

I think that two CZs should be all the guns you'll need. A long gun would get in the way while you're working, and it might draw unwanted attention from cops and/or military personnel.

I strongly echo all the suggestions on health/hygiene stuff, including boots and socks. I'd take plenty of anti-diarrhea medication along if you haven't already grabbed some. Staying clean and healthy is a top priority in an environment like NOLA.

Best wishes and godspeed,
Dirty Bob
 
I would leave long guns out as you will have to leave them unattended while working. Keep the mindset that your vehicle will be broken into. Take something you can keep on you. I would take a good revolver as empties aren't left everywhere if you have to shoot on the run :eek: . I would also take at least a level 2 vest along with 200-300 rounds of ammo. Get a good knife or two along with a surefire and 6-cell maglight. Lots of extra batteries for both. Don't tell anyone the resources that you brought with you because you are in a desperate area. Think survival and self-sustainability. Turn your head when you least expect it and you will be robbed blind. Keep in mind that the availability of gas is nill for several hundred miles out from NO.
 
I realize that time and cost are major factors. In a handgun, I would go for a stainless S&W 640, 642 or 638 or a stainless Taurus 850, 650 or 651. I am thinking that for your use, easy pocketability, corrosion resistance and high reliability are priorities. But of course, your opinion as the end user is the only one that matters.
 
I just got offered $30/hour, $50/hour overtime to essentially do what I love.
Click to expand...
BTW, you're not being paid enough.
Click to expand...

You are certainly not being paid enough to do this stuff on dry ground, let alone in a war zone.

But best of luck and watch your six!
 
Maybe take cigarettes as barter items.

If you got the room check with a local church to see if they've got items to send, diapers/baby formula/anything.

Stay safe.
 
Make sure you take a good flashlight or three. A 1 watt LED would be best. I love my Streamlight TL-2 LED, but walmart has an all metal 1 watt LED light by garrity for about $20 that will do in a pinch, though it is far from ideal. Make sure you get something with a pocket clip on it and keep it at all times. A supply of batteries is obvious.

How do you get a job like this? Do you call FEMA? There is nothing on their website. Do you have to find a company that is going to LA under a FEMA contract and ask them for a job?

I am out of work at the moment. I have a Corrections Officer certification in FL, one years experience as a Corrections Officer, an FL CCW, a valid FL drivers license with motorcycle endorsement, a bachelors degree in criminal justice, know how to drive a manual tranmission I have a strong back, a young pair of legs, and an old pickup truck in decent mechanical condition. I have done some storm leanup before. Who in Fl hasn't?
 
I have a Surefire 6P and a case of batteries for it, I'll be taking. I've even got the little pack that goes on your belt that holds spare bulbs/batteries.

I got the job by asking on IRC of all places. Its with a communications company working under the authority of FEMA. I'm still waiting for the go-ahead, but I spoke with the company owner over the telephone, and he said he'd love to take me, its just a matter of getting paperwork together. I put in an application with FEMA, haven't heard a peep from them.
 
Sounds like you have the taclight covered. I'll bet you can trade extra CR123 batteries once you are there. Do you have spare bulbs?

I will have to get on IRC and check it out. From what I am seeing it looks like FEMA got caught flatfooted on this one. I think they used the flooding of New Orleans after a category 5 hurricane as a worst case scenario so much they forgot it could be more then a scenario to trot out in front of congress during budget hearings.
 
I don't have anything illegal, just stock stuff. ATF shouldn't have anything to do with me.
 
I would second several things that have been mentioned, and add a couple. First would be the hand sanitizer. small sample size bottles that you can have in your pocket all the time, LOTS of them, or a few small ones and a large pump refill may make a big difference in your health.

A true pocket size pistol, a 5 shooter smith airweight, would be my first choice, as it truly fits in the pocket, and nobody thinks much of it when you stand around with your hands in your pockets. Carhartt work pants are tough, have lots of pockets, and guns fit in the pockets well. I remove the hammer loop first thing, they are a hazard. Your guns may be fine, but if it becomes impossible to carry a larger gun, through circumstances or decree, the pocket gun could save the day.

A vest will be HOT, and it's going to be extremely hot anyway.

A small sink type plunger, or a new, regular toilet plunger, works well to wash your clothes. It can be done in a sink or tub with the liquid laundry detergent. Makes fast work of hand washing.

Plenty of socks, good camping/hiking type. and athletes foot/crotch powder. a couple bottles. The powder may last longer than the sprays for the size and bulk.

The water filter might be a good idea, tho a gallon or so worth of smaller bottles held back and not used unless truly needed might do.

Guess a lot depends on how much you are allowed to take in the company truck. I'd have your regular pack with essentials in it, and never let it out of your sight when going in, and a duffle with the rest, or a couple duffles. Good to split the load if more than one bag, in case one gets lost/stolen all of something won't be gone.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes when you get a chance.


Thought of a couple of other things. More batteries for the good flashlight. a couple of boxes more, and a sure-fire "spares carrier" with extra batts and a spare lamp in it.

A dog tie-out cable (the coated wire cable with crimped in loops) and a couple small padlocks. Can be used to lock your gear down so it doesnt walk off, either in a vehicle, or in your place you stay, or on the job site. The extra small padlocks can lock your duffles closed too, to reduce chances of pilfering.

The pepper is a good idea too. Could save a lot of trouble.
 
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"A pistol lets you fight your way back to the rifle you never should have left."

I wouldn't enter such an area WITHOUT a rifle. Sling it, set it nearby, never let it out of arms reach in a hostile area. In contrast with those saying "don't take a long gun", I say don't go if you're not taking one. Have a duplicate in the trunk (which is of course loaded with survival gear, right?).

AR15 & Glock 17/19 lets you share with what you're most likely to come across. Reliability & compatability are critical.
 
bandanas

I mentioned this to my wife, and she suggested several bandanas. They're good for lots of things, from a headband to keep sweat out of your eyes, to neck/ear protection (worn under a hat) from the sun, to an emergency bandage or sling. They're cheap in places like Wal Mart.

A couple of long-sleeved t-shirts might help if you're in the sun a lot. Wash them at least 5-10 times -- with detergent -- before taking. A recent study found the brighteners in the laundry detergents raise the sunscreen qualities of clothing dramatically!

Did someone mention having both work gloves and rubber or latex gloves?

Take care,
Dirty Bob
 
I don't know about any of you, but I sure has hell wouldn't go down there without a rifle. Period. End of discussion. I don't care how much of a pain in the butt it is, I would have it on me at all times. If the cops come over and ask, you tell them you are working for FEMA and you are ensuring your safety. What are they going to do about it? You are solving the situation, not being a problem. And if I were a person out looking for an easy mark, a guy running CAT-5 with an AR over his shoulder would not enter my "easy mark" classification, but my "no thanks" classification. Heck, tell your company to hire one of your friends for $20 an hour to stand around with your AR while you techies work. Or have the techies pitch in $5 each and take someone with you.

The CZ is a no brainer, it goes. I say forget spending the money on an 870, take the AR with you. I live in the PRK, so I wouldn't have an AR with me. I would however have at least my M1 Carbine if not my M1, M1A, or SKS. If the cops come around and make a big deal, put it in your car, keep the CZ concealed. When they leave, bring it back out. This isn't LA as in Los Angeles, everyone knows the score down there right now. Go armed, and go well armed. Good luck and enjoy the pay!

That brings up a good point. Buy an SKS and take it with you. If it gets confiscated, you are out $200. It is probably too late now. Again good luck and be safe.
 
I worked as a computer geek/network guy/generator tech/bottle washer over in the Sandbox for a few months, and didn't carry anything more deadly than my Ka-Bar. Of course, I was surrounded by a few thousand Marines, but all that aside...

Get a comfortable holster, you've already got the reliable pistol, and don't EVER TAKE IT OFF. When I was the Marine (before I became the geek), I never went anywhere without my rifle, and got surprisingly used to it. Now, I'm used to my Glock 26, and don't leave home without it. You won't get caught flat-footed if you ALWAYS have that piece on. You don't need a shotgun, an AR, or a FAC-A. You need to keep people 21 feet away.

If you need to worry about "sho ip int 4/3" and "tap rack bang" all at once, you might oughtta consider bagging the laptop and heading for Texas, brother. Seriously, if the neighborhood is that bad, you shouldn't be there.

S/F

Farnham
 
here's a list I've seen a couple times

New Orleans relief: gear for going back into New Orleans area, adult
-purpose: short term search, recon,
-duration: 1-4 days
-obstacles: lack of resupply, hostile residents
-all items should be in waterproof bags/packageing, if possible


I. Worn clothing
II. Water
III. Food
IV. Rx
V. Hygiene
VI. Elements
VII. Environment
VIII. Light
IX. Fire
X. Signal
XI. Tools
XII. Protection
XIII. Options, extras, barterable


I. Worn items: (*): also worn will be protective vest and carried gear,etc. covered in detail in other categories
head: brimmed hat
Eyes: Sunglasses at minimum, protective sunglasses better
Ears:
Chest/arms: heatgear undershirt, long sleeve blouse, (*)
Hands: indiglo watch, gloves (latex for search), protective for clearing debris
Back: Backpack (*) with hydration system
Belt: holster, sheath, carry pouches(*)
Legs: Long pants (BDU’s, jeans), optional waterproof waders (heavy to carry if not used)
Feet: combination of protective boot and waterproof feature (i.e. either socks with waterproof boots; or Sealskin watersocks with other boot), exchange laces for 550 paracord

II. Water
Canteen or bottle with filter top, full with added Purifying tab
Extra filter
Purification tabs
Hydration system of backpack full, with added pur-tab

III. Food
Sealed, non-perishable (Met-Rx bars, others)

IV. Rx
Personal meds, Alcohol based hand sanitizer (large supply- conserve water for drinking), sanitary wipes (large amt), gauze, silk tape, antibiotic wound dressing (Neosporin), IMPPORTANT read guidance .pdf for recommended vaccinations and antibiotics (influenza, and likelihood of sewage contaminated wounds requiring high-dose penicillin, metronidazole), anti-diarrheal (morphine or codeine can serve as both anti-diarrheal and analgesic, otherwise add analgesic of choice to anti-diarrheal), feminine products if applicable

V. Hygeine
Toothbrush (gauze can substitute), toothpaste, bar soap, (sanitary wipes can serve as bathroom tissue)

VI. Elements
Sunscreen, insect repellant (esp to cover mosquitoes and fleas), insect netting for sleeping

VII. Environment (stench)
Full-face mask with filter (best); surgical mask with Vicks Vap-o-rub otherwise

VIII. Light
LEDs (small personal at minimum), batteries, headlamp for use when both hands occupied

IX. Fire
Waterproof strike anywhere matches in sealed container, Zippo lighter, Magnesium striker set with tinder

X. Signal
Cellular phones (unreliable at present), 2-way radios, extra batteries, detailed street map of New Orleans and surrounding areas with passable and impassable routes marked, pencils

XI. Tools
Knife (fixed blade), multi-tool, saw (folding), others: crowbar, axe, shovel

XII. Protection
Passive: remain aware, rotating watch; protective vest
Active: Rifle or Shotgun; handgun (all should be polymer or stainless to avoid rust), ammunition; pepper spray (potential use for animals)

XIII. Optional, extras, barterables
Extra socks, underwear, water, food, etc as space permits. Remember anything left in a vehicle is a target for theft.
 
Hey Lwsimon, I'm job hunting right now and wouldn't mind working in NO for a few weeks. I was a network admin before going to business school. I've also worked on infrastructure projects, and yes, I can bring my own gun. :D If you have any leads for jobs in NO, could you please PM me? Thanks!
 
You need to get any directive that says bring a firearm in writing. LA. law says you need a permit to carry a handgun, but not for a long gun. If FEMA refuses to put it in writing, don't take anything, but a long gun.
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=LA
FEMA can't change State law. CYA.
Mind you, if you get the written directive, use your CZ. Manual labour with a rifle slung over your back and a couple of mag pouches on your belt is a pain.
 
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