I. Go-Kit Suggested Contents

Depending on the type of response that you plan to be able to provide, there are several configurations for your go-kits. A go-kit configuration that would probably be used in this area for a typical deployment (based on historical precedent) is outlined here.

There are two types of go-kits that every ARES member should endeavor to have ready. These are the 24 hour kit and the 72 hour kit. The 24 hour kit purpose is to provide the necessary operational equipment, working aids, and comfort items necessary to facilitate 24 hour operation. The 72 hour kit will have items in it that would be needed for an extended deployment in the case of a major disaster. This kit and the 24 hour kit are designed to augment each other.

The following list of items are suggestions for the two types of go- kits. Depending on your individual needs, you would assemble your individual kits accordingly.

24 Hour Go-Kit:

• Snack items and/or food bars
• First aid kit
• Sanitary items
• Toilet paper
• Hand wipes
• Purell Hand Sanitizer
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Comb
• Medications
• Flashlight(s)
• Batteries
• Rain Gear
• Portable AM/FM radio
• Notepad or legal pad(s)
• ARRL radiogram sheets
• Writing instruments
• ARES resource manual
• Money - Paper and coin
• Headset or earpiece for radio(s)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hat
• ARES ID / copy of license
• Callout list
• Personal contact list
• Local area frequency plan
• Equipment manuals or cheat sheets
• Multipurpose tool (Leatherman or Gerber)
• FRS or FRS/GMRS radios

72 Hour Go-Kit:

• Change of Clothes
  • Shirts
  • Pants
  • Underware
  • Socks
• Storable food
  • MRE's
  • Food bars (Ex. MetRx)
• Travel Pillow
• Sleeping bag and ground mat
• Plastic trash bags (for wet clothes)
• Medications
• Lantern
• Folding chair
• One or two person tent
• Tarp

II. Emergency Readiness Checklist

Here is a list I made for things to take in the car when being deployed to remote site to provide ham radio emergency communications.

• Go-kit - see above for contents. Make sure this includes radios (HTs and mobile rigs, ladder-line J- poles, connectors and adapters for power and antennas, connecting wires for power), instruction manuals for radios, printouts of critical ARES info like call-out list and frequency/repeater list, radiograms, paper and pens, flashlight and extra batteries.
• Water jug(s)
• Tool kit
• Bible
• Coffee (may want inverter and coffee maker/filters/ground coffee)
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• Towels
• Clothes
• Toiletries
• Canned food
• Umbrella
• Astron Power Supply and DC power strip (in case site has power)
• Deep Cycle marine battery (in case power is out at site)
• Smaller gel-cell batteries
• Trickle charger
• 6-foot PVC pipe for use as J-pole antenna support
• Duct tape

[ Go to the Orange ARES Home Page! ]