RACES / ARES Ready Kit

Emergency Communication Ready Kit

Preparation for emergency response requires a scenario to plan against. The degree of preparation depends on the severity of the emergency. The amount and type of equipment required will be determined by:

  • Expected duration of emergency.
  • Geographic area affected.
  • Availability of utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, etc.).
  • Methods of communication (telephone, cell phone, public service).
  • Time of year (temperature considerations).
  • Time of day (natural light or artificial light).
  • Weather (current and forecasted).

While a disaster may require assembling a large amount of equipment, it may not be practical to have all equipment pre-packaged and ready to go. Identifying the equipment needs and how they will be assembled, however, will expedite deployment.

Basic Kit

The items on this checklist should be ready to go for a minor communication emergency. When looking at battery powered equipment, consider equipment that uses ‘AA’ batteries to minimize the different types of batteries you may need to keep with you.

The scenario is to provide local communication services using a handheld for less than 24 hours and utilities are available. Your assignment may locate you inside or outside a building, traveling in a vehicle other than your own, or being a “shadow” to another individual.

Radio
____ Dual Band Handheld ____ Speaker-Mike / Headset ____ Radio Manual
Power
Supply
____ AC Adapter ____ Battery Charger ____ Lighter Adapter
____ Spare Fuses ____ Spare Battery Pack ____ 6 ft. Extension Cord
Antenna
____ Gain Antenna for HT ____ Mag Mount Antenna ____ Wax Paper (for Mag Mount)
Coax &
Adapters
____ 3 ft. Length ____ BNC Female – SO-239 ____ BNC Male – SO-239
____ Double PL-259 ____ Double SO-239 ____ UHF Right Angle
Reference
____ Frequency List ____ Area Map ____ Activation Plan
____ Phone List ____   ____  
Identifier
____ Photo ID ____ Reflective Vest ____ ARES Hat
Personal
Safety
____ Safety Glasses ____ Ear Plugs/Muffs ____ Dust Mask
____ Sunglasses ____ ____
Personal
Supply
____ Tissue Paper ____ Moist Towellette ____ Pain Reliever
____ Prescriptions ____ First Aid Supplies ____ Watch
____ Cash (small bills & coins) ____ Cell Phone ____ Credit Card
____ Water / Juice ____ Snacks ____ Seasonal Clothing
Tools
____ Flashlight & Batteries ____ Multi-purpose Tool ____ GPS / Compass
____ Electrical Tape ____ Duct Tape ____ C-Clamp
Office
Supply
____ Notepad ____ Clipboard ____ Post-It Notes
____ Pens ____ Pencils ____ Sharpener
____ Ink Marker ____ Magnifier ____ Eraser
____ Paper Clips ____ Rubber Bands ____ Envelopes

High Power Basic Kit

The items on this checklist should be added to the Basic Kit when communication using a handheld will not be enough transmitting power. The additional equipment here is intended to set up a mobile unit and portable antenna.

Radio
____ Dual Band Mobile ____ Speaker-Mike / Headset ____ Radio Manual
Power
Supply
____ AC Power Supply ____ Spare Fuses ____ Ext. Cord 12 ga x 25 ft.
____ ____ ____
Antenna
____ Gain Antenna ____ Antenna Mount ____
Coax &
Adapters
____ 3 ft. length (2) ____ 10 ft. length ____ 25 ft. length
____ BNC Female – PL-259 ____ BNC Female – SO-239 ____ NMO – SO-239
____ BNC Male – PL-259 ____ BNC Male – SO-239 ____ N Male – SO-239

Disaster Kit

The items on this checklist should be added to the Basic Kit and High Power Basic Kit when communication is expected to be over multiple days, in a rough operating environment, or without commercial utilities.

Radio &
Power
____ Back-Up Radio / HT ____ Radio Manual ____
____ Gel Cell Batteries ____ Spare Fuses ____
Tools
____ Adjustable wrench ____ Pliers ____ Wire Cutters
____ Needle Nose Pliers ____ Channel-Lock Plier ____ Screwdrivers
____ Soldering Iron & Solder ____ Utility Lamp (12VDC) ____ Cable Ties
____ Multimeter ____ SWR Bridge ____ Plastic Sheeting
Personal
Supply
____ Toothbrush & Paste ____ Soap ____ Shampoo
____ Shaver ____ Deoderant ____
Clothing
____ Work Gloves ____ Hat ____ Coat
____ Boots ____ Underwear / Socks ____
____ ____ ____
Shelter
____ Blanket ____ Sleeping Bag ____ Tent
____ Trash Bags ____ Food / Water ____ Sterno
____ ____ ____