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Safety, Health and Security
Common Sense Personal Security
Although Dominicans are almost universally friendly and helpful, there are those few who might take advantage of a tourist, or an opportunity such as an open purse or stray camera, just like in any other country. Be aware of your surroundings, try not to travel alone, keep your bags, parcels, cameras, etc., closed and tight, and use prudent caution to avoid being victimized by thieves. Keep your cash and other valuables inside the safe box inside your hotel room or at the front desk safe. Take only the cash you might need for the day with you when you go out of the hotel. Don't walk around town after dark. Avoid touching animals. Even cute puppies and kitties may carry disease.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs Policy
- Consumption of alcohol and use of illegal drugs are strictly forbidden at all HPH-RD work sites and other HPH-RD sponsored gatherings
Staying Healthy
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We would suggest adhering to the following practices to protect your health and enjoyment of your experience in the Dominican Republic:
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Bottled or purified water is recommended throughout the country. Coffee or tea made with boiled water is not a problem. Don’t drink the tap water (that means keep your mouth closed during your showers, do not use tap water to brush your teeth, hard habits to break, but try to be conscious of this)
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We will be providing purified water at the work site and where you stay will either provide purified water or you will be given 1 bottle of purified water/day for time off the construction site
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When eating raw vegetables and un-peeled fruit, make sure that you wash them thoroughly in purified water and cut off the peel, if possible
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Don’t worry about eating salads and raw fruit at restaurants or meals provided by HPH-DR
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Avoid eating food from street vendors
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Should you have diarrhea please inform your Team Leader immediately. Usually the problem resolves itself in 1-2 days
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Wash your hands with soap regularly
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Stay hydrated
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North Americans are always somewhat impatient with the slow pace in tropical countries. After some time in the heat and humidity, you will appreciate there is a good reason for moving slow and steady. TAKE IT EASY! If you find your pulse is fast, this is one of the first signs of overheating...TAKE A BREAK!.
General Safety Tips on Construction Site
SAFETY FIRST Please provide continual feedback to the construction supervisor and coordinators regarding safety issues. Share any concerns you may have in the written evaluation at the end of your trip.
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Stay hydrated and beware of heat exhaustion
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Step by step, it is really important that you work a slow pace to start, take breaks in between and work as a team.
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Keep hair tied back.
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Don’t wear jewelry.
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Use sunscreen.
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Know where the first aid kit is located.
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Be aware of procedures in case of an emergency.
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If you are tired, stop and rest for a few minutes.
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When you are lifting heavy objects always lift with your legs, not with your back.
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Only work on the roof or anything higher if you are comfortable doing so.
General Conduct and Recommendations
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The conduct of GV team members should reflect the mission and purpose of HPH-DR to work in partnership with those in need of simple, decent housing, through the construction of houses.
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Volunteer team members are expected to be respectful of the local people, culture, ethics, and morals of the community where they will be working. More important than the team's physical labor on the construction site is each team member’s expression of love through humility and respect toward the homeowners, community, Habitat staff and each other.
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Leave most personal belongings at the hotel. Any personal belongings you bring to the work site should be left in a location designated by the Team Leader or GV Coordinator
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Do not show off your possessions in front of others - what is not valuable to you could be prized by others
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Each piece of luggage should have identification tags secured to the outside and someplace on the inside. Below is a sample of the suggested tag format. Check back here nearer to departure for a complete version with all address information and phone numbers included.
If found, please contact: <your name>
Habitat para la Humanidad, Republica Dominicana
Calle Erick Leonard Edman #17
Las Villas de Arroyo Hondo
Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional
Republica Dominicana
At all other times:
<your city>, <your state>, United States of America
<your phone> or <alternate phone>
Food
When thinking about your trip keep the following food recommendations in mind. We recommend when in the Dominican Republic that you:
- Drink bottled water only .
- Do not eat vegetables unpeeled or uncooked.
- Do not consume food or drinks from street vendors.
- Be careful of unpasturized milk.
- NEVER drink water from the sink.
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