ALAN JEROME SHEFFIELD

Portable - "GO-kit" - Ready at a moment's notice. Packed and in such a size that you can effectively carry it with you. Presumes you are away from all sources of power except that which you or someone else totes.

• ARES/RACES/SERVED AGENCY IDENTIFICATION CARD(S) (must be current)

• ARPSC ORANGE HARD HAT (must be international orange)

• ARPSC JACKET/VEST/TEE SHIRT/POLO SHIRT (must be international orange)

• Mini HERAC (Handbook for Emergency Response Amateur Communicators)

• HANDHELD RADIO (144/220/440 capability)

• SPARE BATTERY PACKS (CHARGED NiCad, NiMH)

• ALKALINE BATTERY CASE WITH EXTRA BATTERIES ("clamshell" or the type that fits your radio, or a "Ham Battery" type)

• D.C. POWER CORD WITH FUSES AND MULTI-FUNCTION CONNECTORS

• HEADSET, SPEAKER-MIC (The most usable headset in high noise areas will have noise cancellation in the -20db to -30db to be effective. **DO NOT USE THE VOX OPTION** on any headset)

• Earphones (for use in a noisy environment...stereo headphones require a stereo to mono adapter plug)

• FOUL WEATHER PROTECTION FOR RADIO AND YOURSELF...A PONCHO WORKS GREAT (radio protection is a priority...you'll dry out, if you don't melt)

• GAIN ANTENNA, MAG MOUNT OR OTHER TYPE LOCATED AWAY FROM HT (a 19 in. mag mount will work on 70 cm)

• FLASHLIGHT WITH EXTRA BATTERIES AND SPARE BULB (they burn out)

• TRAFFIC DIRECTOR (red shield that fits over flashlight)

• BELT HOLSTER FOR FLASHLIGHT (so it can be carried easily)

• ASSORTMENT OF ANTENNA CONNECTORS (BNC/PL-259, BNC/SO-239, some radios require SMA)

• ASSORTMENT OF POWER CONNECTORS

• COAX ANTENNA EXTENSION ABILITY

• POWER EXTENSION (ability to move from primary power source)

• SCANNER (pre-programmed with functional frequencies)

• BACK-UP POWER SOURCE FOR SCANNER

• PENS (gotta work) AND PENCILS (gotta be sharp) Remember, pens may freeze in cold weather.

• FIELD NOTEBOOK (rain proof)

• RADIOGRAMS AND/OR MESSAGE FORMS FOR THE SERVED AGENCY

• MAPS (street for sure, topo if possible)

• COMPASS OR GPS

• FIRST AID KIT (personal use only)

• POCKET KNIFE (Swiss army survival type)

• MATCHES (preferably water proof and/or carried in a water proof container)

• ROPE (1/8 inch poly, for use in hoisting antennas, etc. not for rescuing)

• BOTTLED WATER (as much as possible, remember, you'll be toting it though)

• FOOD (canned or in sealed containers, must last at least 8 hours standalone)

• HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BOOKLET

• PERSONAL DUST MASK (model N-95, available at Lowe's, $5.95 for 2)

• REPEATER DIRECTORY (should be current)

• TIME PIECE (watch or clock, preferably one that's right more than twice a day)

• CASH (for pay phones. If power is out cash registers won't work, but if you have exact change...gotta have it packed all the time, not cash from jeans pockets)

• EXTRA PAIR OF SOCKS

• CHANGE OF UNDER GARMENTS

• MOIST TOWELETTES OR EQUAL

• PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

• Daily medication (if required)

• Medical ID with current medical conditions identified (if required)

• Bee sting kit

• Asthma inhaler (if required)

• Contact lenses, case and storage solution (if required)

• Extra pair of eye glasses (if required)

• Feminine hygiene products (don't laugh, any female operators working with you may be eternally grateful)

• Kleenex and partial roll of toilet paper

 

Semi-portable - Packed so you can easily tote it to a site and work out of it non-carried. Presumes there will be an identified place where stuff can be secured and you won't have to haul it with you. Includes the "GO-kit" above.

• ARPSC ORANGE BALL CAP (must be international orange)

• RAIN GEAR (international orange if it will cover up your jacket or vest)

• BOOTS (best if steel toed)

• JACKET/SWEAT SHIRT (stuff for chilly conditions)

• THERMAL UNDERWEAR/SWEAT PANTS (stuff for cold conditions)

• INSULATED GLOVES OR MITTENS (stuff for cold conditions)

• EXTRA SOCKS

• SAFETY GLASSES (must pass ANSI standards for safety glasses)

• DUCT TAPE (the handyman's secret weapon)

• TOILET PAPER

• BINOCULARS

• EMERGENCY "SPACE BLANKET" THERMAL BLANKET

• CAMERA

• FILM

• HEAVY DUTY BATTERY (example: a sealed lead-acid or a gell cell, NOT a marine battery...remember, you may have to tote it a half mile or so)

 

Mobile - Packed and carried with you or easily loaded in your transportation. Presumes you may have response time to run home and pick it up...but not to hunt around for and pack all the junk you want to haul. In addition to the above GO-kit and Semi-portable list.

• HERAC (Handbook for Emergency Response Amateur Communicators)

• EMERGENCY FLARES

• EXTRA VEHICLE FUSES

• REFLECTIVE TRIANGLES (or other passive road hazard warning device)

• CANDLES AND MATCHES (alternative non-electric source of light)

• FIRE EXTINGUISHER (rated for A-B-C fires)

• ROPE (heavy duty, 3/8 or 1/2 inch, again not for rigging or rescue)

• TOOLS (general automotive tools for light repairs)

• SNOW SHOVEL

• JUMPER CABLES

• TOW CHAINS (to get yourself out of a jam)

• LUG WRENCH (because you might get a flat)

• SPARE TIRE (inflated)

• BLANKET AND/OR SLEEPING BAG (because you might get tired and get permission to take a nap)

• MAGNETIC VEHICLE I.D. SIGN(S) (any approved vehicle I.D. sign works here even if not magnetic)

• SEALED WATER CONTAINERS

• CANNED OR DRIED FOOD (MRE's)

• NON-ELECTRIC CAN OPENER (possibly one of the blades on your pocket knife)

• MESS KIT (so you can put your vittles in it and eat 'em)

• PLASTIC SHEET OR TARP (may be home for a while)

• TIRE CHAINS (cause you might get stuck somewhere)

• SAND/SALT (cause you might get stuck somewhere)

• ICE SCRAPER (cause you might want to see where you're going)

• MARINE OR OTHER FORM OF DEEP CYCLE BATTERY

• TENT OR OTHER HOME AWAY FROM HOME (a Winnebago or Class A motor home nice but not required)

 

Home - presumes you will be operating out of your house without the benefit of commercial power or phone service.

• SEALED WATER CONTAINER

• CANNED OR DRIED FOOD

• EXTRA SET OF VEHICLE KEYS (stored someplace where you can find them)

• GENERATOR WITH AT LEAST A 12 HOUR FUEL SUPPLY

• CREDIT CARDS, CHECK BOOK, TRAVELER'S CHECKS AND/OR CASH (your bank may be in the middle of the "event")

• SPECIAL ITEMS FOR INFANTS, ELDERLY, OR DISABLED FAMILY MEMBERS

• SMOKE DETECTOR(S) (must have a fresh battery less than 6 months old)

• CO DETECTOR(S) (must have a fresh battery less than 6 months old)

• NON-ELECTRIC CAN OPENER

• WEATHER WARNING RADIO (battery operated)

• BACKUP ANTENNAS THAT YOU CAN STRING UP (presume your main array has blown to New Jersey but a couple of trees are ok)

 

FIRST AID KIT:

• FIRST AID MANUAL

• STERILE ADHESIVE BANDAGES - ASSORTED SIZES

• 2 INCH SQUARE GAUZE PADS (8-12)

• 3 INCH SQUARE GAUZE PADS (8-12)

• HYPOALLERGENIC ADHESIVE TAPE

• TRIANGULAR BANDAGES (3)

• 2 INCH STERILE ROLL BANDAGES (3 ROLLS)

• 3 INCH STERILE ROLL BANDAGES (3 ROLLS)

• SCISSORS

• TWEEZERS

• NEEDLE

• SAFETY RAZOR BLADE

• MOISTENED TOWELS

• ANTISEPTIC SPRAY

• FEVER THERMOMETER

• TONGUE DEPRESSOR BLADES

• PETROLEUM JELLY (bread not required)

• SAFETY PINS (small container with at least 10 pins)

• VINYL GLOVES (to protect from blood-borne pathogens)

• ASPIRIN, TYLENOL, EXCEDRIN, ALEVE (whatever works for your headaches)

• ANTI-DIARRHEA MEDICATION

• ANTACID

• EMETIC (use to induce vomiting if advised by Poison Control Center)

• LAXATIVE

• CAFFEINE PILLS OR OTHER SLEEP REDUCING, DROWSY REDUCTION GOODIES

• SMELLING SALTS OR EQUIVALENT (in case you or others faint)

• EYE WASH FLUIDS

• RUBBING ALCOHOL

• ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (use if advised by Poison Control Center)

• PERSONAL MEDICATION (at least one weeks worth per person)

• UP TO DATE FIRST AID CARD

• UP TO DATE CPR CARD

• SNAKE BITE KIT (Well, you're not likely to need it in these parts, but just for fun)

Many thanks to Herb Nichols W8HRN for compiling the above lists.

 

Other items it might be nice to have (added to any level):

• Copy of District Operations Manual

• List of served agency phone numbers in your area (not just your district)

• Manuals for whatever radios you are using

• Boundary-Marking Tape

• Insect Repellent (summer)

• Sun screen (winter or summer)

• Spare shoe laces and some twine

• Fanny-pack/Back-Pack

• Sports/Bicycle water bottle

• High energy snacks

• Large trash bags

• Whistle

• Electrical tape

• VOM

• Battery quick charger (that operates from a 12 V power source)

• Fence Pliers (includes hammer)

• Crimp Tool (includes wire stripper)

• Assortment of crimp connectors, nails, brads, tacks

• 4 or more each of the 4", 8" and 12" plastic cable ties

• 2 Wire AC Extension Cord w/2-3 pin adaptor

• AC to 12V power supply

• Soldering Iron (or torch) w/solder

• 2M Beam Antenna w/Tripod, mast & guy rope

• Nut Driver set

• Folding set of Allen/Torx wrenches
• Zip Cord
• AM/FM broadcast band radio

 

For public service events:

• Cooler with food & drink (should not be diuretics and of course, no alcohol)
• Lawn chair
• Umbrella (sun or rain)

 

Marking your Equipment

There are very few people that would knowingly relieve you of your equipment but during an event there can be a lot of confusion, especially in an emergency. If you have each piece of equipment marked with your name and call it will be much easier to insure your equipment is returned to you at the completion of the event.