Go Bag

Every ARES® member should have a communication go-bag ready for an emergency.

You can’t carry everything with you and everyone has a different opinion about what is important. Unfortunately, you cannot be prepared for every kind of emergency you’ll be dealing with and which tools will be most helpful before you get there so below are just a few suggestions.

24 Hour Comms Go Bag Checklist

  • Dual band handheld radio and speaker/mic (with spare battery & charger)
  • Dual band Mobile/Base unit
  • Magnetic mount antenna and/or roll up type antenna with paracord support
  • Coax: RG-58/U (at least 25 feet)
  • Connectors and adapters: PL-259/SO-239 TO BNC, PL-259/SO-239 to SMA (male and female), N, barrel connectors, etc.
  • Extended gain antenna for HT
  • Electrical tape and duct tape
  • Small tool kit; larger tool kit in car
  • Spare AA and AAA batteries
  • ARES or TARC Shirt, ID (copy of Amateur license), Hi Visibility Vest, OKMRC ID
  • Water bottle (2 quarts)
  • Snacks: Granola bars, Power Bars, trail mix
  • Sun Screen, Chapstick, Bug Spray, poison ivy medicine
  • First-aid kit (Motrin, Imodium, Dramamine, Tylenol, Benadryl, earplugs, whistle)
  • Prescription medications
  • Toilet paper in a Ziploc bag (compress the air out), Kleenex
  • Towel (small)
  • Pocket knife (multifunction)
  • Flashlights, light for brim of ball cap
  • Digital Camera or camera on your phone
  • Pens, pencils, markers, note pad
  • Repeater directory (optional)
  • Maps of Tulsa and Oklahoma (AAA area or Thomas Guides)
  • Wicked Weather gear – Ski hat and gloves, leather gloves with liners, rain poncho, collapsible umbrella, ball cap, dry socks
  • Space blanket
  • Waterproof matches, butane lighters
  • Paracord (two 50-foot lengths)
  • Garbage bags (two 55 gallon, four large ziplock)
  • AM/FM radio with batteries
  • Four Cyalume light sticks (12-hour, green)
  • Dust mask and wind goggles
  • Batteries for personal devices (hearing aids, etc)
  • Pepper spray (personal defense)
  • Narcan
  • NIFOG/OKFOG (Field Operating Guides)
  • Deck of cards (markers, communications tool, fire starter, morale booster)

Optional

  • IPAD or tablet PC with chargers
  • ICS / NTS forms kit (including a copy of your FCC license)
  • Charged power bank with appropriate cables

Extended Support Kit

  • HF Radio, Tuner, and antennas with support if needed
  • Multimeter
  • SWR Meter
  • Soldering Iron
  • Solar Panel for charging
  • Cooking stove & Fuel
  • Cooking kit: small pot, dish, eating utensils, 2-qt plastic measuring cup
  • Water: 3 gallons (depending on duration of event); have at least one case of 1-gallon bottles ready to go, in the house
  • Lantern & Fuel
  • Extra matches, lighters, fire-starter stick
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Grooming kit: shaver, soap, etc. extra TP, Moist Towellettes
  • Extra clothing, socks, warm clothing, parkas 3 day supply (Foul weather)
  • 50-ft rope (5/16-inch diameter)
  • 50-ft 110-Vac extension cord
  • 110-Vac outlet strip
  • Generator / fuel
  • Lights for generator
  • Food: three-day supply; MRE, freeze-dried, etc.
  • Hiking boots, work boots
  • Small folding shovel
  • Cash/Coins for tolls and or vending machines
  • Not in bag, but bring if necessary:
    • Two-man tent, Ground cloth
    • Sleeping bag with foam pad
    • Real Pillow
    • Portable reflector lamp (110 Vac)
    • Personal medication (seven-day supply)
    • Small folding chair

First Aid Kit Add Ons

  • Antacid (Mylanta)
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Benadryl / Decongestant
  • Motrin or aspirin / Tylenol
  • Q-tips
  • Throat Lozenges

Tips

  • Plan for 1 gal water/day per person