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
	____	____	____