GO KIT

 

Subject of go kit seems to be an on-going discussion and a quest for a perfect solution. The truth is, there isn't one universal solution or one kit that will work for everyone. The idea behind having a go kit to be ready when you assistance is needed. In essence, your need to be self-sufficient for the duration of the assignment, be ready to help and not become a part of the problem.

Your kit must enable you to:
• Provide communications (our primary mission and purpose)
• Provide snacks and supplies for breaks or until your next shift
• Be equipped to perform your mission safely, in relative comfort

Kit below is intended as a suggestion only, just to get you started in building your own. Specifics of your kit will vary based on your radio equipment, training and other personal needs. Normally, not all of these items will be needed on every callout that you respond to, so like frequently suggested, your kit should be broken up in couple different levels, or sub kits.

First kit level would be radio equipment and supporting materials that you would bring every time. Form there you would need to make a smart decision and break up rest of the stuff in one or more sub kits, based on your personal needs.

Personal Care

Warm jacket in bright colors
Sturdy work shoes or boots
Rain suit
Hat
Work Gloves
Spoon
Snacks
Cup / Mess Kit
Personal medications!
First Aid kit
Sun screen
Toilet paper or Kleenex tissue
Moist Towelettes or Purell (waterless hand wash)

Miscellaneous Personal Items
Spare eyeglasses or contacts and solutions
Cash, including small bills and coins
Space Blanket
Small refillable water bottle
Large trash bags
Flashlight w/extra batteries (white LED type preferred)
Whistle
 

Tools

Swiss army knife and/or Leatherman-type tool
Screwdrivers, Phillips and flat
Needle nose pliers
Vise Grip
Diagonal cutter
Crescent adjustable wrench
Hammer
Electrical tape
Digital Multimeter
Duct tape
Crimper and wire stripper
Gas/Battery Powered Soldering Iron w/solder
Assorted adapters, connectors, nails, screws
 

Radio Equipment

Copy of your Amateur radio license
Dual Band HT
Spare battery packs (charged) or AA-cell battery adapter
Speaker-mic

or

Dual Band Mobile Radio
Switching power supply (A/C)
50 feet extension cord
Multi-outlet power strip
Headset
Vertical 1/4 wave or larger mag-mount / ground plane antenna, dual band 2M / 440
50 ft RG8X coax with UHF connectors
BNC or SMA to PL259 adapters if needed
UHF-UHF barrel adapters
 

Operating Supplies

Notebook or paper pad
Pens, pencils, and other writing instruments
Clipboard
Watch
Area maps
Blank message forms
 

Optional items

2M Beam Antenna w/Tripod, mast, guy rope and pegs
Nut Driver set
set of Allen/Torx wrenches
Zip Cord
Portable broadcast radio
Binoculars
Scanner
 

Power source (one or more):
12V gel cell 75 A/H with charger
Vehicle with 12V battery and gas
20-30 amp switching power supply
50 ft extension cord
Multi-outlet power strip
Portable shack:
Canopy or shelter tent
Table and chair
Portable light
 

For public service events

Cooler with snacks and drinks
Folding chair
Umbrella (sun or rain)