BE PREPARED . . . FOR ANYTHING!

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For years, “Be Prepared” has been the motto of the Scouting program. Any of you who were ever Boy Scouts (or Girl Scouts) may remember that nearly every skill you developed and the activities you participated in were centered on that motto. These two simple words should apply to every facet of your life . . . including Amateur Radio. Part 97.1 of the FCC rules state the basis and purpose of the amateur radio service is “. . . a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.” To that end, every licensed amateur has a duty to learn and develop proper radio operating skills in the event they are called upon in an emergency to provide communications support. Sometimes that support can be provided from the comfort of one’s own radio shack, but more often than not you will be asked to relocate out in the field somewhere (e.g. church or school used as a shelter, a parking lot, a hilltop, or an actual field). Are you prepared to deploy? Do you know what you will need?

This article will give you some suggestions on how to develop and what should go into a “GO KIT”. First, let’s discuss some possible emergency scenarios you might encounter. Not all emergencies will be the same with respect to time frame and affected area. Some may be short-term localized emergencies or some could be long-term region-wide disasters. Your “GO KIT” should be designed to accommodate short-term and long-term deployments. Some preparedness aficionados suggest having three different kits for different lengths of deployment; a 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour kit. Personally, I prefer to have only a 24-hour and a 72-hour kit. My reason for this is that it may be difficult to determine whether or not an event will last only 48-hours. Secondly, it’s just as easy to carry / transport supplies for 72-hours as it is for 48-hours. So why not just be prepared for the long haul? Actually, I have only one kit; a 72-hour kit. But, in that 72-hour kit is a “sub-kit” for 24-hours. This way, I can have everything in one kit and if the event is going to only be 24-hours or less, I can reach into the kit and pull out my 24-pack and go!

You may ask, “why not just make the one 72-hour kit and be done with it?” After looking at the list below, you’ll quickly appreciate the convenience of packing and traveling light. Why lug around stuff you’re not going to use or need? Also, for events of 24-hours or less, you may be moved around to several different locations, so you’ll need to pack light and be ultra-mobile.

The contents of your “GO KIT” should include your radio equipment, basic tools, food items, personal effects and toiletries, and administrative supplies. Of course no matter how long your deployment is, always dress for the weather. The following is not a complete list as everyone has individual needs. The items marked with an asterisk (*) are considered to be a “must have” item. Remember, this list of required and suggested items is not an exhaustive one. Everyone will have items they want or need to include in their “GO KIT” to suit their specific needs. The list of possible items can be infinite, but just remember, you (and only you) have to lug everything around, so plan well.

24-HOUR “GO KIT”

72-HOUR “GO KIT”
(This list is in addition to your 24-hour “GO KIT”)

I’m sure everyone can think of more items to include in there own “GO KIT”, but remember two things, you have to be portable and you may have to transport (carry) everything yourself. So, plan to make your “GO KIT” as compact as possible. You can get your 24-hour kit in a backpack; however the 72-hour kit has more components and will undoubtedly be heavier. I would suggest using a large suitcase on wheels or a duffle bag on wheels. Also, notice that the essential items needed on a deployment are all listed in the 24-hour kit.

Even though your kit will have food and other items with a long shelf life, make sure you use and restock those items every 3 to 6 months, just to keep everything fresh. This is especially true for prescription medications. Also, remember those meds if you change prescriptions or change the dosage. Remember to store your kits in a cool dry place and always store batteries out of the flashlights and radios. They will last longer.

Finally, holding an amateur radio license does not necessarily make you an emergency communicator. It’s your duty to obtain the proper training that will prepare you for deployment as an emergency communicator. The ARRL’s Emergency Communication course and FEMA’s National Incident Management System course are two resources of training. But what good is training without putting into practice what you’ve learned? I would suggest participation in public service events when possible. Also, check into area nets and become familiar with area Hams. Let’s “be prepared” for anything!

73,
Steve, N9NSO