+ Disaster "Go-Kits" Updated

I am routinely asked "what personal items do I need to take when sent to a disaster area"? The short answer: Take everything you would need to survive on a camping trip for a week, plus some disaster specific items. Our Go-Kits need to be always on our minds and ready to go. A complete Go-Kit will help us provide better support to our served agencies.

Your kit will need to be tailored to meet your specific needs but the following is a suggested minimum content list. Prepare and test your kit well before the next event, as you may need to hit the ground running when called.

The idea of your personal kit is to help you survive, be more comfortable and protect yourself from unknowns the best you can. We cannot be productive nor do our job if we are a burden on the system.

Your communications equipment "Go-Kit" is a separate list. Remember to register with your local EC, and never self-deploy to a disaster scene.

Training cards: Training cards/certificates for ARRL, FEMA and other certifications are important items to take with you. Laminate your training cards to protect them. Minimal training includes FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 and ARRL EC-001, EC-002 and EC-003.

Served agencies are requiring volunteers to have certain training and experience before deploying them. Training will help you to know the lingo, procedures and processes. Red Cross First Aid and CPR training is also a must. A good way to get general training is to enroll in the next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class. Then, take the Red Cross training, and the ARRL and FEMA Independent Study online courses.

Vaccinations and medications: Tetanus, Hepatitis-A, Hepatitis-B, TB all are recommended vaccinations. (Check with your doctor to make sure you get the right shots). Personal prescription medications:

copies of all prescriptions, including generic names for meds and a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationary for controlled substances and injectable medications should be carried.

Also: First aid kit or CERT kit; First Aid Quick Reference card and equipment manuals in zip lock bags; acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medication for pain or fever; mild laxative; anti-diarrheal tablets; throat lozenges; antacid; antifungal and antibacterial ointments or creams; cough suppressant/expectorant.

Documentation: Addresses, e-mail and phone numbers for family, friends, work, doctors; ID cards - make copies of everything in your wallet and leave them with someone at home; paper, pencils; reference material, e.g., frequencies, net schedules, operator instructions for all equipment; reading material for spare time; ARES message forms.

Personal: Cash or traveler's checks, change; cell phone, battery, charger; waterproof watch; moist towelettes for sanitation; disinfectant; laundry detergent; toilet paper; towel (highly absorbent, travel towels if possible); extra pair of prescription glasses, copy of prescription; soap, shampoo, anti-perspirant, shaving kit; tooth brush and paste; lip balm; sunglasses; ear plugs, eye shades; Kleenex.

Clothing: Gloves (leather, medical, non-latex types); comfortable, light-weight long pants, long-sleeved shirts; sturdy shoes and boots (at least two pairs); rain gear; rubber boots; hat/cap; hard hat; safety goggles; dust mask or cotton T-shirt to filter air.

Food and Water: Bottled water; water filters/purification system, tablets; nonperishable food items; Power Bars.

Camping items: Candles, matches, lighter in a ziplock bag; Ziplock bags; flashlight and extra batteries or shake/crank-flashlight; can opener; garbage bags (they double as panchos) and plastic ties; paper towels; fire extinguisher; duct tape; tent; compass; signal flares; hand tool kit; Spare AA, C, and D batteries; knife, such as a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman; fork, knife, spoon kit; insect repellent containing DEET (up to 50%); sunscreen (preferably SPF 15 or greater); crank-powered weather radio; Pair of FRS radios and spare batteries; ropes of various lengths; pillow, bedding; air-mattress; bungee cords; chemical illumination sticks; electrical tape; small hand saw, or tree limb saw; small Teddy bear for yourself or in case you find an upset child.

Put your go-kit supplies in re-sealable plastic containers, and then pack them full of trash on the way out. Take a spare everything.

The idea of your Go-Kit is to prevent you from becoming a problem in the disaster relief effort. -- Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director, former Alabama Section Manager and member, National Emergency Response Planning Committee