The
best kit for you may not fit a "canned" list, but should be based upon
your operating mode, experience and local conditions. It is better to
have the bare essentials always handy than to leave a bulky pack
someplace where you can't get to it. A larger kit bag is more practical
if you are almost always in or near your home or car.
The trunk is the best place to store emergency gear because it is dry,
relatively secure and is accessible either at home or away. You should
consider having multiple kits. An "everyday" kit for your HT and is
small enough to fit in a briefcase. A larger "backup" bag stashed in
the car provides 24 hours of auxiliary power, a spare HT, amplifier,
coax and accessories for extended operating. The "disaster " bag has
emergency cash, food, water, rain gear, a larger gel cell battery,
clothing and shelter to sustain a 3-day activation or evacuation.
The ARRL ARES Field Resources Manual provide excellent guidance on "Go"
kits. If you travel through rural areas, you should also include fire
making supplies, a pocket knife and a compass in the kit. In the
suburbs, you'll want a local street atlas, change for a pay phone and
emergency cash or a credit card. A compact, sturdy flashlight, extra
batteries, first aid kit, extra HT battery pack and spare eyeglasses of
your current prescription are useful everywhere. If you regularly take
prescription medications, you should carry those.
A typical "go" kit should sustain a day of continuous operation and be
easily supplemented for overnight or weekend trips. The bare essentials
are a dual-band HT, some sort of "gain" antenna, auxiliary power
source, writing materials, comfort and safety items. You can do a lot
with a minimum kit, if you plan its contents carefully. There is risk
of not having something you may need if you go "too" light, but obvious
"bells and whistles" should stay home.
A few last throughts...
You can not be of any
help to anyone if you are not well prepared and in reasonable health.
Be sure to have what you need to sustain yourself (food, water,
medicine, etc.) so others will not have to take care of you.
You need to have your equipment and supplies in readiness ahead of time
at specific location. If there is an item that you need elsewhere that
is part of your kit, place a note (easily seen) on the outside of the
kit so you or another you can retrieve it. Keep an inventory inside the
container itself.
Consider the containers you use for
your supplies, can you carry them? Can you put wheels on them? Iis it
waterproof or resistant? Is it clearly marked? Can you sit on it when
it is empty?. Can you mount the equipment into it or on it? Should you
build a shelf-like framework that fits inside the container? Would your
antenna fit inside large PVC Pipe with removable end caps? Where is
your Duct Tape? Do you have light to see at night? Can you provide
battery power to others while not disabling your set-up? How do you
plan to recharge your batteries? Did you hide some of your favorite
candy, gum, healthbar, snack,etc. inside one of your equipment boxes in
addition to your food supply? Do you have a plastic tarp to cover you
and the equipment? Is your equipment and supplies marked with your
name? Good Luck!
The "Every Day" Kit
The
"every day" kit stays within easy reach. Including a dual-band HT, it
weighs 5 pounds and is 4"x5"x10." It fits in a small waist bag and
includes the following:
Dual-band HT
HT case
Copy of current FCC Operating License.
"Tiger tail" (enhances transmit and receive of typical "rubber duck" by 3 db).
Extra high-capacity (1000 man) nicad battery
Backup AA battery case for HT.
DC adapter & cigarette plug cord for HT
DC adapter with Anderson PowerPole connector
Two extra 2A fuses, for HT cord .
Earphone
Speaker mike
Swiss Army pocket knife
Leatherman multi-purpose tool
Mini-Mag-Lite, extra bulb and spare AAs
Pencil and pocket notepad
Emergency gas / phone money ($20 bill, + four quarters and five dimes in pill box).
SO-239 to male-BNC adapter to fit HT to mobile antenna coax
Female BNC to male SMA adapter (if your radio has a SMA connector)
6 ft. RG8-X jumper w/BHC male and female connectors to extend HT antenna with suction cups or auto window clip.
Spare eye glasses of current prescription.
Band aids, moist towelettes and sunscreen
Pocket sewing kit, matches
Small pocket compass
Operating reference card for HT
Phone number and frequency reference card
The "Backup Bag" Kit
The
"Backup Bag" contains "24-hour" items in a sturdy shoulder bag with
carrying strap or hard shell case. It stays in the car until needed.
Suggested contents are:
Neck-lanyard pocket
Spare car keys, $100 emergency cash, credit card, long-distance calling card and ARES photo ID.
Second, dual band meter HT. (battery packs and accessories should interchange with the first dual-bander)
Pair of FRS radios for non-hams with spare AA batteries, not installed so they don't leak
Spare nicad and AA-battery pack, ear phone and speaker-mike for second HT
Operating manuals for HT's.
Fused DC adapter cords with Molex connectors for brick amplifier and HTs
Extra 10' AWG 10 gage twin lead extension cord, with battery clips,
in-line fuses and Molex connectors to power brick amp or HT.
Anderson PowerPole power cables
High power station: Compact, rugged, 25-40w 2 meter or dual-band brick amplifier or spare mobile radio.
Gain antennas for both HTs.
HT nicad, and 12V gel cell wall chargers.
Two refills of AA Alkaline batteries for HT.
RG8-X jumpers with soldered PL-259s, two 3 ft., one, 6 ft., one 10 ft.
and one 25 ft. with double-female connectors to combine all.
BNC-male+BNC female to SO-239
BNC-male+BNC female to PL-259
NMO to SO-239 adapters.
Cable ties, large and small, 6 each
Lensatic compass, 7.5min. series area topo.
Two sharpened pencils, pencil sharpener, gum eraser, note pad, permanent marker.
ARES Field Resource Manual
Compact, rugged, flashlight, with extra bulb and AA batteries
Two sets of spare fuses (2A, 10A, 15A) for HT cords, mobile radio or brick amplifier.
Spare automotive fuses (used on many power distribution panels and in ... cars.)
Comfort,
safety and basic first aid items: sunglasses, matches, tissues,
toothbrush, sun block, sewing kit, insect repellent, tweezers,
band-aids, adhesive tape, gauze pads, wound cleaning wipes, etc.
The "Disaster Bag" Kit
This
kit is packed in a duffel, stowed with the "backup bag" in a Rubbermaid
storage locker in the car trunk or garage, until needed. Their contents
are inspected and changed seasonally to provide a complete change of
clothing, shelter, food and equipment to support a weekend activation
or evacuation.
3-ring binder with emergency communications agency Handbook
Area topo maps and operating manual for auto mobile rig, in zipper portfolio.
Dual-band mag mount antenna, with portable ground plane.
Mast kit, tripod adapter, dual-band base antenna
4x 25' RG-8X coax with PL-259 conectors
3 SO-239 dual female coax adapters
AC charger for HT nicads and small gel cells
12-volt flourescent drop-light with alligator clips for attaching to
auto or gel cell battery, with spare bulb. Adequate light is important
for operating efficiency and morale. A strong, battery powered light is
safer and more reliable than gasoline lanterns.
Weller Pyropen soldering torch with 2 cans of propane fuel, 63/37 eutectic solder
Took kit: wire strippers, wire cutters, pliers, needle nose pliers, screwdrivers, box cutter, crimping tool, etc.
Parts kit: electrical tape, scotch tape, zip ties, solder, crimp lugs, PowerPole connectors, etc.
Leather
work glove shells, wool finger less liners, warm hat, wind/rain suit,
sweater, insulated rubber safety boots, extra dry socks and change of
underwear.
Tarp or poncho
Wool blanket or insulated poncho liner
Two message pads, two pencils, grease pencil, two sheet protectors, 12 push pins.
Vinyl electrical tape for rain wraps, 1 roll
Cable ties, large and small, 1 dozen each
Rubber bands, medium and large, six ea.
Adjustable open-end wrench, 6"x 0-5/8"
Folding hex key set
Klein pliers with crimpers and side cutters
Needle nose pliers
Channel locks or Vise-Grip pliers
Small, mobile-type SWR/power meter
Pocket VOM or multi-meter w/ test leads
Assorted connectors / adaptors including no-solder BNC and UHF for emergency repairs
First Aid Kit container.
3 days supply of bottled water and nonperishable food (which can be eaten cold*), mess kit and utensils.
Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies.
* 1 gallon of water per person/day, is needed for drinking and washing.
Good are canned soup, beans, tuna, juices, fruits, veggies which can be
eaten cold, or warmed without further preparation; also peanut butter,
cheese spread or jam in plastic jars, lots of hard candy, instant
coffee, tea, dried fruit, crackers. Sterno is best for warming.
Military MRE's are light weight and convenient, but some find them both
expensive and boring. You get better variety, more appetizingly and
cheaply at the grocery store, if weight is not a problem.
All of the above seems like "overkill," but emergency communications
teams must be entirely self-sufficient, otherwise they cease being an
asset and become a liability. The above is not the "last word", but is
offered as a "thought starter" for your family or group disaster
planning.
"Specialty Kits"
I. FOOD (to be placed in one cooler and/or one paper bag)
A. No stove is available. Only take food that can be eaten cold or micro waved.
B. Although the NWS has a refrigerator, do not count on space being
available. Bring a cooler with two or three reusable freezer packs to
be refrozen as necessary.
C. Bring change for the soda machine.
D. Keep meals simple as time and facilities will be in short supply.
Suggest cold sandwiches (i.e. peanut butter and jelly); cold
vegetables, fruits, cookies and snacks and your favorite beverage.
E. Hard candies (for sore throats)
F. Canned soup.
G. All cooking and eating implements (cup, plate, bowl, knife, fork, spoon, can opener)
II. SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS and CLOTHING (one duffel bag)
A. Sleeping bag with mattress pad and a REAL pillow.
B. Blanket (it may be cold!) or Fan (it may be hot!)
C. Enough shirts, socks and underwear for the time you expect to be there, plus a few more things, just in case!
D. Comfortable pants, you will be sitting for a long time. (Loose fitting / sweat pants work best)
E. Comfortable inside shoes.
F. Alarm Clock to get you up for your next shift.
G. Toilet kit and medications for your stay (plus a little more just in
case!) Razor, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, motel size soap, towels
and cologne (for covering for a few days without showers)
H. Packages of facial tissue.
I. Aspirin or Substitute. You will need it!
III. RADIO EQUIPMENT and GENERAL GEAR (one backpack)
IDENTIFICATION and DOCUMENTATION
Original Driver's License or ID Card Issued by State Government
FCC Amateur Radio License (Copy OK)
ID CARD of Specific Group (ARES, AREC, REACT, Etc.)
If your ID Cards do not have your home address on it, have Utility
Bill, Insurance Bill, etc. that shows your home address (you may need
it to gain access to your home).
Optional: Photo of your family and yourself
Personal Address Book w/radio contacts
Small Binder with Important Information
Net Frequencies and Functions (Keep it Current)
Simplex Frequencies and Functions
Plans for Repeater Failures (Simplex on Ouptut? Alt Simplex)
Outline for Net Operation and Traffic Handling
Packet Frequencies and Identifiers (Digipeat Set-ups,etc)
Whatever materials you need to do your best work.
Blank Paper that fits this binder
Consider Plastic Page Protectors for some references
Detail Map of your area, Map of nearby area
RADIO & Portable Station EQUIPMENT
Note: Separate VHF/UHF and HF complete inventories
VHF/UHF Radio, HF Radio (Per your requirements)
Microphone, Headphones,Earphone, "Y" adapter for 2nd Headphones
OPTIONAL: Additional Headset with microphone
POWER SUPPLIES- High Current Batteries(GEL/NICAD/ALK), Power Suppy, DC
charger, DC Cords Extra Batteries & Spare Fuses (Make list of REQ)
DC Power Center- Cable to Main Battery meets connectors for muliple connections (Scanner, TNC, VHF, UHF, HF, Light, etc)
VHF/UHF ANTENNA- Portable and Fixed Portable (for each band used or dualband)-
HF ANTENNA- Fixed Portable (G5RV,etc), Mobile Antenna w/Counterpoise & support
HF Antenna Support- Hanging, Hook,Poly Rope,Duct Tape, Counterpoise
COAXIAL CABLE ADAPTORS- Barrell Adaptor, PL259 to BNC, Adaptors as required for your set-up, surveyors tape to mark cables.
MFJ or similar ANTENNA TUNER/SWITCH w/cable
LOW PASS FILTER- 1KW or 100W w/cable
CLIP-ON GROUNDPLANE "Tigertail" 21" w/Aligator Clip
"Mini-Mag" Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
Pocket Knife with built-in Tools or small tool kit.
Cash, Coin and Credit Card info.(8 quarters,20 dimes, $10,$5,5-$1)
Bandaids,Coff-Drops,Towelettes,Tape,Sunscreen,Misc Pills.in Small Container
SWR/Wattmeter to monitor RF output and antenna condition w/connector cable
DC ADAPTORs for Polarized standard power connectors with fused wires, Molex, Voltage Adaptors, Etc.
MONITOR RADIOS- AM/FM/SW?, SCANNER(WX and Public Safety), CB/FRS and Perhaps HT to liason Frequency.
Programming Information and Manual for your radios. List of the information programmed into the radio if RESET required.
Spare 2mtr HT (AA battery Type)pre-programmed,w/tiger tail, 1/2 wave ant,w/case & acc.
Pocket Card w/ Frequency/Channel information
Additional Radio Items- (stored separately)
VHF "Brick" Amplifier w/cable to HT w/spare adaptors
DC Extension power cable (10-15') to AMP, w/LG Aligator Clips, Molex, Power Pole,etc connectors
Spare Fuses for Amplifier and other accessories
1/4 wave or 5/8 wave magnetic mount antenna with adaptors to BNC,SMA,PL-259
Wall Chargers for HTs
Gell Cell 12 volt Batteries for AMP & ACC, w/connectors and Cigarette Lighter Jack
Extra 1/2 wave 2mtr antenna for HT
Extra AA Alkaline or Lithium Batteries (also AC fast-charger w/batteries)
Dozen Cable Ties, misc types.
Pencils,pens,erasers,markers,pen-knife,paper,binder,white-out,Carbon Paper,plastic Envelope
Flashlight- 3- "D"Cell type(spare batteries/lamp), Lantern w/batteries/Lamp
Compass and ability to use it.
Misc.Personal Items- W/case: Safety Items, First Aid,Sun glasses,Spare
reading Glasses,Matches,Tweezers, Insect
repellant,Kleenex,SunBlock,Sewing Kit,adhesive tape,Gause Pads 6-
4",handi-wipes,
ARES Field Manual, and other refrences as required.
MARS Members- appropriate references (report format,net procedures,refrences,etc.)
FRS Radio- one or two w/batteries w/plan to contact family, local FRS Plan,etc
ARES/MARS VEST- Safety Vest (reflector Tape),etc.
WRITING & Traffic Handling
Spare Glasses in Hard Case
Zippered See-Through Case for misc. items
Pens, Pencils, Erasers (White-out?)
Water-Resistant container for your papers
Message Forms (Help List if required)
Log Book (wear wrist watch, or have clock nearby)
Clip Board with Paper (3 ring binder type best)
Spiral Notebook (Organization, Name and Callsign on Book)
Computer Disc with duplicate programs used, and Important information for display.
Notebook Computer if required, 100% paper back-up
TOOLS & MISC.- MINIMUM Short Duration
Assorted Wire Ends w/Crimp Tool for extending or repairing wires
Roll of speaker wire and Power Wire
6" Diagonal Cutters
6" Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Crimper/Cutter/Stripper
Roll of UL Black Plastic Tape
Roll of Duct Tape
Screw Drivers- Standard and Phillips
Locking Pliers & Vice Grips
Wrenches and Drivers
Regular Pliers
Hex Wrench,Spline Wrench,Square-Drive
Wrench Suitable to turn off Gas Valve (8" Adjustable Crescent Wrench)
BAG of connectors,plugs,jumpers,Coax Crimp-type Connectors,etc.
Volt Ohm Meter & spare battery
12VDC Soldering Iron and solder
Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
Case or Zippered Bag to store tools
Inventory List of Contents of All Bags/Cases
TOOLS & MISC.-EXPANDED Longer Duration
PRY BAR
Claw Hammer, Assortment of Nails
Assortment of Hooks, Eyes, Screws, Nuts, Bolts, and stiff wire.
Tool Box Saw or Hack Saw with spare blades
Folding Shovel
Plastic Bags (HD Garbage..Small and Large) Clear or Black
Folding Tarps (1 small, 1 medium)
50' of Hemp Rope (3/8 min) Poly OK if no hemp
50' of Poly Twine
Siphon and container to transfer Gasoline or Kerosene
Axe or Hatchet
Jumper Cables for Car (Extra Long Best, in Bag because of acid)
Road Flares
Lanterns and Stove of Coleman type, with spare fuel, mantle and burner jet.
2 to 5 Gallons of Gasoline in Approved container with spout.
Fire Extinguisher (ABC 3 to 10 lb)
AC Generator (W/12V DC) with spares and fuel
2- 50 3wire Grounded AC Extension Cords 1-#12GA, 1#16GA
Binoculars- Opera Glasses
Roll of Paper Towels, TP (in plastic Bag) and 10 cotton Shop Rags
Whistle on lanyard (signal mirror?) ID CARD ON LANYARD?
PERSONAL ITEMS- MINIMUM Short Duration Events
Personal Medications (in adaquate supply with written descripton
/ Prescription Copy of drug and size tab,etc.)
Extra Prescription Glasses and hearing aid batteries
First Aid Kit (See Red Cross List for Recommended Contents)
Snacks (High Energy, etc.)
Liquid Refreshment- Water, Soda, Juice (No Alcohol)
Throat Lozenges (Cough Drops,etc)
Headache Medicine (Aspirin,etc)
Water Resistant Windbreaker/ Jacket
Hat and Sunglasses and sunscreen (if required)
Hankerchief
Space Blanket, Plastic Drop Cloth,
Spare Keys to your vehicle
Back-up Credit Cards,Cash,Coin,PhotoCopy of Radio ID, DL, etc
PERSONAL ITEMS- EXPANDED Longer Duration Events
3 day supply of water (canteens, etc. transportable)
Cooler with 3 day supply of food (w/prep.supplies etc)
Camp or Military Style "Mess" Kit, and cleaning suppies
Expanded First Aid Kit
Foul Weather Gear, Poncho, Rain Hat, Regular Hat
Sleeping Bag or Blanket/Pillow w/2 slips, (sit on it too)
Toilet Articles (Over-night type kit) & TP supply
Wind-up or Battery Alarm Clock
Lantern or Flashlight with spare bulb and batteries
Candles with waterproof matches
Extra Underware and Socks
Work Gloves
Folding Chair with Name on It (antenna Base?)
Electrical Tape, Duct Tape, Poly-Rope, Nylon twine
FOOD ITEMS
Water- personal carrier, bottled, canned, bagged,(washcloth in baggie)etc.
Canned Soda- Ginger Ale, Coke, 7up,Fruit Juice,etc
Canned: Soup,beans,Chili,Tuna,Ravioli,Tortias,Crackers,etc.
Peanut Butter,Crackers,Jam/Jelly,Cheese Spread,Chicken/Ham Spread,hard Candy
Large Zip Lock Bags, Roll of Foil, Napkins(in Baggie)
Can opener,knife,spoon, fork, Vegetable scraper,beer can opener,2nd Spoon
Napkins/Paper Towels
Instant Coffee, Hot Chocloate Packs, Soup Packs, Tea Bags,
Hard Candy, Protein Bars, Gum, Favorite Candy,
Sterno Stove, Spare Sterno, Pellet Stove, Pan w/handle & Lid,W/Bar or Tablet Fuel
MRE,dried Food, Dried Fruit, Powdered Milk, Lemonade,etc.
Boxing and inventory for the above items.
Roll of Antacid Tablets,Bismith Liquid,
6- Garbage Bag for Trash (45 GAL), Rain Poncho, cover radios, bedding
Paper Towel Roll for Napkins/Clean-up.
OTHER EQUIPMENT TO BE CONSIDERED
Plan with family where to meet or how to communicate after or during
the emergency. Even Designate relative out of area to check in with to
coordinate in worst case
FRS Radios (2) for Family w/spare batteries (plan to use it)
Phone Patch with proper Plugs/Jacks and Phone Interface Connections
12vdc High Current PS for 12V HF Radio Transceiver.
Binder with Photocopied References of Value
Sturdy Shoes and Protective Clothing
Umbrella- Rain or Sun Shade (Antenna Support?)
Golf Shirt, Pants, Belt,
PAD / CUSHION for folding Chair
Travel Alarm Clock,
Portable radio with earphone and spare batteries
Reading Book, Bible, pocket video game,