[SARES] Update Your Go-Kit

Here's an article from the January 10th ARES E-Letter.  All of us should revisit, literally and figuratively, our Go-Kits on a periodic basis.  You do have one, don't you?
   
  Neal WA6OCP
   
  + 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



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SARES members mailing list: <sares-list@INTERNET. sunnyvaleares.org>
For help with (un)subscription send e-mail to <majordomo@INTERNET. athm.net>