Go Kits

A lot of people have asked me what should be in their Go Kit. This is a good question. I have seen many different recommendations for Go Kits. My answer is it depends on where you are going. I have seen recommendations that include backpacking equipment and survival gear to things like if it is in your house - bring it.

The current thinking from emergency management is that you should prepare to be self sufficient for a minimum of three days. This includes food, water, clothing, medication, cash, toilet paper, gasoline in your car etcetera. You should be prepared to go without utilities such as gas, electricity and water. You may have to relocate so be prepared to bring everything with you. You may need pillows and blankets. If you are headed for a shelter be prepared to bring everything you need. The shelter may just be four walls and a roof. If the shelter does have supplies they may run out and not have enough for everyone.

Think about it now. Make a list and be prepared. There is a link for A Sample Emergency Supply Kit For A Family Of Four on the Mercer ARES page.

FEMA has a lot of preparedness information at http://www.ready.gov/ .

If you are going to provide communications service you need to know what to bring. You should always be prepared to provide your own food, water and personal supplies. You may need to bring a radio, power supply and antenna. All our EOCs and the Red Cross have their own equipment so that is taken care of. If you will be operating from a shelter then you will need to bring radio equipment. If you don't have equipment we may be able to make arrangements with others to loan equipment for the emergency. You could be a relief operator for instance.

Some people have the resources to make a separate radio Go Kit. Others will have to pack up and use their everyday equipment. If you do bring anything make sure it is labeled with your name or call sign so it doesn't get lost. If we are operating as a team we may be able to share resources. It seems redundant for everyone to bring a complete station.

If you need lists of items to bring or pack there are plenty of sites that provide that kind of information. Don't forget to personalize those lists with items that you need that may not be on there.