“Go Kits”, sometimes called “Jump Kits”, "Go Bags" or “Deployment Bags” are intended to allow us to cope with and/or respond to emergencies. There really is no set rule for what these should contain, but there are some common elements virtually everyone agrees on. Your own set of skills, likely deployments, thoughts on emergency response, and past experience will dictate what your own kit may contain.
The “Everyday” bag is a simple personal emergency kit designed primarily for “minor” incidents or inconveniences occurring while on the way to and from work or about town.
The “24 Hour” kit is designed for actual short-term deployments. This would usually be a local severe-weather incident or assignment to a shelter or other location outside the actual disaster area (such as the hurricane Gustav deployment)..
The “72 Hour” kit is intended for a longer deployment to a local emergency or for an non-local deployment during a larger emergency.
The Everyday Bag
The "everyday" kit is designed to stay within easy reach. It should include a dual-band HT, and weigh less than 5 pounds, and small enough to fit in a small waist bag or hand-carried canvas bag. Many feel the need to expand this so much that they go to the 24-hour bag as the one they carry with them. Here are some of the items to consider for inclusion:
2-meter or Dual-band HT.
Driver’s License and a copy of your current FCC Operating License.
Replacement for the typical HT "rubber duck", improving performance by 3 db).
Extra high-capacity (1000+ mah), or backup AA battery case for HT.
DC adapter & fused power cord for HT. A car adaptor should be considered.
Extra fuses for HT chagrining/power sources.
Speaker mike
Swiss Army pocket knife or Leatherman multi-purpose tool
Mini-Mag-Lite, extra bulb and spare AAs
Pencil and pocket notepad
Emergency gas / phone money ($10 bill, + six quarters and six dimes in pill box).
SO-239 to male-BNC adapter to fit HT to mobile antenna coax and female BNC to SO-239 to fit HT gain antenna to jumper.
6 ft. RG8-X jumper with soldered PL-259s, plus suction cups or car window clip.
Spare eye-glasses (preferably with safety lenses) of current prescription.
Band aids, moist towelettes and sunscreen
Pocket sewing kit
Small pocket compass
Operating reference card for HT
Emergency phone and frequency list
Bagged wash cloth / paper towel / towelettes.
Energy Bar / Crackers (change out periodically)
Basic First-Aid kit. (those with medical training would want to carry more)
Wrench to turn off gas or water.
Gloves
Goggles
Survival knife (usually has compass, sewing kit, etc. built in)
The 24-hour Deployment Kit
The "24-hour" kit is designed for use during initial deployment and/or a known short-term deployment. This would normally be contained in a sturdy shoulder bag with carrying strap or small backpack. Suggested contents include items from the “Everyday” bag and:
Documents (in binder): Forms (ICS, ARRL, EMCOMM) and protocols for. This may include:
Net Scripts
SKYWARN protocol
Expanded frequency list of repeaters, VHF simplex, and HF frequencies.
ARRL Radiogram
ICS Form 213 (message form) & ARRL consolidated Radiogram/ICS 213
Maps
Second, "backup / loaner" 2-meter or dual band HT. (ideally with the same accessories and compatible with the primary radio)
Extra 10' AWG 10 gage twin lead extension cord, with battery clips, in-line fuses and Molex connectors to power brick amp or HT.
Compact, but rugged, 25-40w 2 meter or dual-band brick amplifier for the HT.
2-meter or dual-band Mobile or Mobile/Base radio for use in vehicle.
Gain antennas for both HTs.
Cell phone charger & spare battery.
Gel cell batteries, sufficient to power small brick amp at 25w + 25 percent duty cycle for 12 hrs. (minimum, four NP2-12 or equivalent) .
Two refills of AA Alkaline batteries for HT.
Cable ties, large and small, 6 each
Spare pencils/pens and permanent marker.
Quick-reference card(s) listing primary and secondary repeaters, local wide-area coverage or cross-linked repeaters, SKYWARN and ARES / RACES working frequencies.
Personal hygiene items including toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, tissue, liquid soap, change of clothes, tissues, antacid, etc.
Sunglasses & cap or hat.
Spare seasonal clothing (sweater, gloves, jacket, coat, etc.).
Matches or lighter
Additional energy bars, crackers, snack foods, etc.
Prescription drugs
Insect repellent & sun block.
Bagged wash cloth / paper towel / towelettes.
Energy Bar / Crackers (change out periodically)
First-Aid kit that includes tweezers, antiseptic wipes, larger bandages, gauze and tape, etc.. (those with medical training would want to carry more)
Wrench to turn off gas or water.
Work gloves
Folding chair (in car trunk)
Goggles
Safety helmet.
Survival knife (usually has compass, sewing kit, etc. built in)
The “72 hour” Kit
The "Disaster Bag" is packed in a duffel or large backpack and stowed with the "24-hour bag" in a plastic storage container. Although we call it a “72 hour” bag, it’s really your extended deployment bag and should be stocked for at least 72 hours of use. Think “camping”. This kit requires some maintenance to ensure food is in-date and clothes are season appropriate. It is designed to support a weekend or longer activation or evacuation, such as operating a remote Skywarn Net Control station during a power outage accompanying a severe storm event:
Extended supplies documents: forms (ICS, ARRL, EMCOMM) and protocols for SKYWARN and net operations.
J-pole or other easily deployed antenna, throwing weight, nylon line.
50 feet of quality coax with PL-259 connectors and double-female through connector
12-volt powered light with spare bulb. Adequate light is important for maintaining operating efficiency.
12-volt, 30w soldering iron to fit auto cigarette lighter plug, or propane soldering torch with fuel & solder.
Additional batteries (disposable and rechargeable)
FRS/GMRS radios to more easily communicate with non-radio operators at location.
Tarp and/or poncho
Rope / heavy twine
Wool blanket or insulated poncho liner
Push pins, paper (8.5x11), clipboard or legboard..
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
Side cutters
Needle nose pliers
Black electrical tape
Various connectors, plugs, and sockets
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
3 days supply of bottled water and nonperishable food*(which can be eaten cold).
Mess kit and utensils.
Camp stove.
Trash bags.
Duct tape
Book, magazine, pocket video game (for use during ‘down’ time).
Extended personal hygiene and sanitation supplies.
* A person needs 2 quarts of water a day as a general rule, more if there is exertion and/or extreme temperatures. One gallon/day of water is needed for drinking and washing.
Ideal foods to store in kits include canned soup, beans, tuna, juices, fruits, and vegetables; they can be eaten cold but also easily warmed in the can over conventional heat. Other good items include hard candy, instant coffee, tea, dried fruit, and crackers.
A camp stove or Sterno is a good idea. Military MRE's are light-weight and convenient, but are expensive. Since we’re not expected to be trudging through jungles, deserts, or rough terrain we can shop food with greater variety and lower cost from our local grocery stores since weight is not a problem.
Remember, the idea is to be as self-sufficient as possible, otherwise we cease being an asset and become a burden during already stressful circumstances.