A “Go Kit” is a container of some kind that you can easily take with you at a moment’s notice. It contains all of the supplies that you will need in order to be an effective emergency communicator when you are called out for an activation. This list contains suggestions for items that you might want to include in your “Go Kit.”
Radio Gear – Need to Have
- Driver’s License and copy of Amateur Radio license
- ARES/RACES ID badge
- Handheld radio with extra batteries (2m & 70cm)
- Earphone or headset
- Spare power cables and fuses for all radios
- Portable gain antenna (2m & 70cm)
- 25 and 50 foot sections of coax cable with PL-259 connectors
- Repeater Directory and ARESDEC Frequency List
- Notebook for logging, paper, pens, pencils, erasers
- Copies of ARES/ICS standard forms
Radio Gear – Good to Have
- RF amplifier for hand-held radio
- Battery charger and spare battery packs for handheld radios
- Speaker/microphone for hand-held radio
- Mobile radio(s) with power cables/batteries (HF, 2m, 440…)
- Watt’s Up, Doc Wattson or Power Analyzer meter
- 12 volt power supply for mobile radios
- HF antenna tuner and SWR bridge
- Scanner with Public Service bands
- Packet radio equipment (TNC, terminal, printer, computer)
- Antenna equipment for all radios
- Nylon parachute cord for guys, flagging tape and stakes
- Egg or dog bone insulators
- 50 feet of nylon cord, fishing line, weights
- Nylon cable/zip ties of various lengths
- SMA to BNC and SMA to PL-259 adapters
- BNC-to-PL-259 adapters
- Double-male PL-259 adapters, double-female SO-239 adapters
- DC to AC inverter (need only a 65 watt unit to run a laptop computer)
- AC generator with fuel
- Extension cords, power strips, AC plug adapters
- Cigarette lighter plug adapters and alligator clips
- GPS receiver
- Volt-Ohm-Amp Meter
- Spare Anderson Powerpole connectors, pins and crimper
- Portable soldering iron and solder
- Tool kit
Personal Gear – Need to Have
- Clothing appropriate for the weather and conditions
- Orange or yellow safety vest
- Flashlight
- Maps and compass, pocket knife, whistle
- First aid kit, insect repellent, sun screen
- Sturdy boots, gloves, sunglasses, hat
- Drinking water (1 gal.) and food (one meal, two snacks)
- Personal medications for at least 24 hours
- Reliable transportation with a full tank of gas
Personal Gear – Good to Have
- Electrical & duct tape
- Money and change for pay phone
- Cardboard for signs, markers
- Lantern or portable area lighting with spare bulbs
- Transistor radio with spare batteries
- Automobile jumper cables and spare fuses
- Automobile jack, tire chains, flares, gas can, siphon pump
- Thermos, cup, bowl, utensils, matches, stove
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, razor, towel
- Toilet paper, small shovel, garbage bags
- Tent, sleeping bag, backpack, rain gear, tarp, space blanket
- Portable table and chair
- Watch or clock, binoculars
- Other personal comfort items
Make a list of the items that you want included in your “Go Kit” showing each item and its location. This will help you to quickly collect all of the important items that are not normally stored in the “Go Kit” container.