We have compiled a list of questions and answers for the
parents of those participating in the alternative spring break program.
If you have a question that is not answered by this list, please don't
hesitate to e-mail us using the "Contact Us" link to the left or at asbo@ic.sunysb.edu.
Where will the participants be staying?
The group will be staying at Camp Hope, a brand new volunteer center built for groups helping to rebuild New Orleans, LA. The site accomodates up to 300 people with full showering, sleeping, and eating facilities.
What
exactly will the group be working on during the week? There has been
news coverage of some volunteer groups in New Orleans working through
Habitat to gut out houses filled with mold.
Our students will not
be gutting out houses. Habitat for Humanity is helping to provide
volunteers for the St. Bernard Parish Recovery Project, but they must
sign up for that separately. This is what may have been featured
on the news. The actual New Orleans affiliate does not do any kind
of mold removal. Our group will be working in the Musician's Village. We will be digging
foundations, organizing a warehouse and cleaning some things out
of it (old file cabinets, etc. with no mold involved). We will not
need masks or suits or anything of the sort. If the students are
digging or carrying cinder blocks, Habitat will have gloves and eye
protection available on site. What training if any will be
provided to ensure the success of the trip and to train in awareness as
to minimize any adverse incidents?
Each morning the Habitat construction staff will provide safety training to new volunteers. Is New Orleans safe? After Hurricane Katrina there has been civil unrest in that area. How can local officials ensure safety?
Local
officials and the police force have been notified of our stay and will
be readily accessible. In addition, we have the advantage of safety in numbers and no
member of the group is to travel alone at any time. What about contaminants? What measures have been provided to ensure the site is contaminant free?
The EPA has stated that the areas we are working in are contaminant free.
What
happens if my student needs any medical attention? How will this be
provided? For example, an injury on site or a sudden illness.
There
are directions to two of the largest hospitals on each work site the
students will be on. In fact one day they group will be working in a
warehouse next to one of those hospitals. There will also be a first
aid tent on site.
Should any health precautions be taken before leaving such as vaccinations, etc.?
Just as with any construction site, it's always safe to have a current tetanus shot.
Will safety equipment be provided on site such as work gloves, hard hats, masks, etc.?
All safety equipment on a standard construction site will be available - hard hats, gloves, masks, goggles.
Old homes have often been found to contain asbestos? What precautions have been taken to eliminate any risk factor?
Habitat only does new construction.
Approximately how much money will be needed for out-of-pocket expenses?
As of now, Habitat
for Humanity will be providing all of our lunches while in New Orleans. The participation fee will cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner for
the most of the week. Some dinners may be provided for us by the local
Tulane and Loyola Universities. Students will need money for the
26-hour bus ride to New Orleans and home. Other meals may take
place in the local area and will require personal funds. It is suggested that participants bring some pocket cash for evenings out in the French Quarter and souvenirs.
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