Second, 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.

Finally, consider the containers you use, can you carry them?, is 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? 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? Do you have a plastic tarp to cover you and the equipment? Is your equipment and supplies marked with your name? Good Luck!

• 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
  • 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 EQUIPMENT
  • Note: Separate VHF/UHF and HF complete inventories
  • VHF/UHF Radio, HF Radio (Per your requirements)
  • Microphone, Headphones, "Y" adapter for 2nd Headphones
  • OPTIONAL: Additional Headset with microphone
  • POWER SUPPLIES- 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)
  • ANTENNA(for each band used or dualband)- Coaxial Cable w/ Connectors
  • COAXIAL CABLE ADAPTORS- Barrell Adaptor, PL259 to BNC, Adaptors as required for your set-up, surveyors tape to mark cables.
  • SWR/Wattmeter to monitor RF output and antenna condition
  • 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.
• WRITING & Traffic Handling
  • 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
  • Roll of UL Black Plastic Tape
  • Roll of Duct Tape
  • Screw Drivers- Standard and Phillips
  • Locking Pliers & Vice Grips
  • Wrenches and Drivers
  • Pliers
  • 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 Bag/Case
• 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
  • Roll of Paper Towels, TP (in plastic Bag) and 10 cotton Shop Rags
  • Whistle on lanyard
• PERSONAL ITEMS- MINIMUM Short Duration Events
  • Personal Medications (in adaquate supply with written descripton 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
• 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,
  • Sleeping Bag or Blanket/Pillow (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
  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
  • Binder with Photocopied References of Value
  • Sturdy Shoes and Protective Clothing
  • Reading Book, Bible, pocket video game,
• THIS LIST UNDER CONTNIOUS REVISION

Consider a simulation, take your equipment to another location, and set up your station, and see what you do not have... and write it down. Participate in Drills and Simulations if you can, and Join an Emergency Communications Group if you can (RACES,ARES,REACT,ETC)

First Draft: April 12, 1999

Last Updated: April 12, 1999