Do you even have a Go-Kit?

The Go-Kit is one of those “ham things” that everyone in emcomm (Emergency Communications) talks about. But how many of us that participate in the weekly net actually have one ready to “go”?  I have the beginnings of a “portable” station.  Some of you have seen it at Field Day.  But I do not have everything I need to deploy (Portable antennas, cables, etc).  It is very much a work in progress.

How much is too much? If you Google “go kit” and click on the images, you will see a huge range of what folks consider a go-kit. Some are quite minimalist and others are of the “..and the kitchen sink” variety. You will have to decide what will work best for you. And when the time comes that you need your kit, you will find that in all likelihood, your kit either had things you didn’t need, or was missing things you did need.

The important thing is to simply have one.  Take a few moments to gather some basic items and put them together so when the need arises you can “go”.  The most likely scenario we will have is a seismic event.  SBCARA.org has some good documents on go-kits.  And Google has lots of information.  What are the most likely items needed?  Here are some items to get you thinking about your kit.

• Dual band radio
• Frequency lists
• Spare, charged, batteries
• Microphone or earpiece
• A gain antenna (something other than the stock ducky)
• A thing called a Tiger Tail is handy, I’ve heard.
• Flashlight and batteries
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Hearing protection
• Snack bars
• Water and/or Water filtration
• Change of clothes (Spare t-shirt)
• Pocket knife or multi-tool
• Water resistant notepad
• Pens and pencils
• Sun screen
• Hat