This list of reminders will help you come prepared on your build date. Please print this page and distribute copies to your team.

• We generally build several times a week and at least once during the weekend at our sites. At various points in our construction process there may be more or less availability at our respective sites. All build days are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please visit our online calendars for all of our current sites to check availability.
• Please be on time and be prepared to remain on the site for the entire workday.
• There is a safety talk first thing in the morning every day.
• You must be at least 16 years old to work on the construction sites and those who are 16-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Bring the signed Waiver Form to the build site on your build day. 16 and 17 year olds must include a parental signature.
• If you need to reschedule, please do so at least one week before your build day. Contact Habitat Greater Boston's Volunteer Coordinator.
• You are more than welcome to bring your own tools, although it is not necessary. Just remember to label them.
• Bring a bag lunch and lots of water.
• Dress assuming you will be outside (dress in layers if it’s cold). Wear clothes that you won't mind getting dirty.
• Bring sunscreen.
• Bring a pair of work gloves (even garden gloves will do).
• Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals).
• Above all, bring a willingness to work, meet new people and have fun.

Safety Tips for Hot Weather Builds

During hot weather it is much easier to become fatigued. When you are tired, you are more likely to make mistakes, and accidents can happen more often. Therefore, it is especially important to pay attention to certian preventive measures.

• Wear a hat. You are much more likely to get fatigued if you are exposed to the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids. It is important not to get dehydrated. You may also want to take salt tablets in order to replenish the minerals and salts in your body that you loose through perspiration.
• Make sure you take frequent breaks. Take time in the shade. Apply a damp cloth to the back of your neck or your face. This will lower your body temperature.
• Wear sunscreen with a rating of 15 or higher. This will prevent you from getting burned. You will sweat heavily during the day. This will dilute the effectiveness of the sunscreen. You should reapply your sunscreen several times a day.
• Adopt the buddy system. Pair up with another volunteer and keep an eye on each other. If the other person looks like they are feeling effects of the heat, encourage them to take a break.
  

Here are some tips to prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses:

• Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol - these fluids dehydrate the body rather than hydrate like water and sports drinks.
• Avoid carbonated beverages, which can cause bloating and keep people from drinking enough fluid to rehydrate.
• Wear light colored, absorbent, loose fitting clothing.
• The symptoms of dehydration include: dry lips and tongue; apathy and lack of energy; muscle cramping; and bright-colored and dark urine.
• If left untreated, dehydration can escalate to heat exhaustion or heat stroke that can be deadly. The main symptoms for these include: fatigue or dizziness; nausea or vomiting; headache; rapid and shallow breathing; high temperature; rapid heavy beat; decreased alertness or complete loss of consciousness.

If you experience these symptoms, stop activity immediately and cool down in the shade. Most importantly, when active, drink fluids to help quickly replenish what you've lost through sweat.