Preparing for Conflict Zones: A Personal Perspective
Working in conflict zones comes with unique challenges, where unpredictability and heightened risks are the norm. Proper preparation, particularly in terms of packing, is crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and adaptability. From my own experience, where a family duty station (C) quickly transitioned into an emergency evacuation due to active conflict, I’ve gained valuable insights into what every humanitarian should pack for such scenarios.
What to Pack in Your Go Bag
Backpack
- Osprey, North Face, GoRuck, or similar: Get something sturdy, durable, and comfortable for long-term wear.
- Capacity: At least 30-40L to fit essentials comfortably.
Essential Clothing
- Moisture-wicking, durable clothing: Lightweight and quick-drying, suitable for varying weather conditions.
- Long-sleeve shirts, pants, and hats: For sun protection and bug repellent.
- Rain gear: Pack a waterproof jacket.
- Shoes with good tread: Essential in case you need to run.
- Socks and Underwear
Safety & Medical Supplies
- First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, and essential medications.
- Suture Kit & Super Glue: To close wounds if needed.
- Antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and pain relief medication: Preparedness is key.
- N95 Masks: Essential for smoke and dust protection. Heavy gunfire creates A LOT of smoke.
- Electrolyte Tablets: For hydration in high-stress environments.
Communication & Power Supply
- Two SIM Cards: From different carriers to ensure connectivity if one network goes down.
- Power Banks: At least two, to ensure your devices stay charged.
- Dummy Phone or Laptop: For safety in case of theft at checkpoints.
- Solar Panel Charger: Essential for extended periods without power, allowing you to stay connected to security and other staff members.
- Personal Wi-Fi device: If the local communications towers go down, you may be able to connect to satellite.
Miscellaneous Items
- Life Straw: Portable water filtration to ensure clean drinking water.
- Duct Tape & Scissors: For emergencies, including sealing wounds or making repairs.
- Carabiners & Lighter: Essential for securing gear or starting fires if needed.
- Flashlight & Headlamp: Reliable light sources for nighttime activities.
- Soft-Sided Luggage: Easier to transport and store if evacuation becomes necessary.
- Spiral Notebook & Pen: Tear-out pages for ease at checkpoints.
- Roll on Deodorant
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Small cloth
- Portable clothesline
Women-Specific Packing Items for Conflict Zones
- Plan B Emergency Contraceptive: Vital for situations where access to healthcare may be limited.
- PEP Kit: A proactive measure that could provide critical assistance if needed.
- UTI, BV, and yeast infection medication: Have it on hand, just in case your candida wants to have a hay-day at the wrong time. On second thought, is it ever a good time?
- Pads, tampons, panty liners, and or diva cup
- Birth control pills
- Consider packing a headscarf and/or an abaya, if culturally appropriate to your location. This can help blend in during situations like evacuations, especially when encountering checkpoints. However, it’s important to consider the context and ensure that wearing these items aligns with local customs and your personal safety considerations.
General Tips for Staying Safe in Conflict Zones
Minimize Your Digital Footprint
- Delete social media apps, avoid political posts, and remove any sensitive or identifiable data from your devices.
- Keep only secure, work-purpose devices to reduce the risk of theft.
Avoid Personal Items
- Leave expensive phones, laptops, tablets, and jewelry at home.
- Only carry a secure, work-only device to minimize theft at checkpoints.
- Do not bring sentimental family heirlooms with you to the duty station. You may lose them.
Stay Informed & Prepared
- Always stay aware of evacuation plans and have emergency numbers written down.
Increase Situational Awareness
- In conflict zones, crime often rises due to unemployment and instability. Keep a low profile and maintain caution at all times.
- Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry to reduce the risk of theft.
- Keep valuable items like smartphones, laptops, or tablets to a minimum.
- Avoid Crowded Areas: Stay away from large markets and heavily populated zones, particularly after dark. These locations are often hotspots for attacks and demonstrations, posing increased risk and vulnerability.
Accommodation Safety
- If possible, stay in shared accommodations with coworkers.
- For women, consider being walked home by another staff member to reduce the risk of harassment or danger.
Key Takeaways for Humanitarian Packing in Conflict Zones
By reflecting on my experiences and the challenges I faced during an unexpected evacuation, I’ve compiled these essential packing tips to help you stay safe and prepared when working in conflict zones. Being well-prepared not only ensures your safety but also allows you to carry out your humanitarian work more effectively. Whether it’s through medical supplies, communication tools, or personal safety essentials, having the right gear can make a world of difference. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and always be ready to adapt.
Do you have a packing tip to share? Please comment below!
Looking for more insights and resources to kickstart or further your humanitarian career? Explore more on The Global Humanitarian Blog for expert advice and actionable tips.
Comment, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram @the.global.humanitarian
Please note: the views and opinions expressed on this blog are that of my own and do not represent the opinions of any agency mentioned.