The following items are suggested for pre-assembling a "jump kit", which you can pick up and take to an exercise or actual on-site emergency:

(These are just suggestions and you may wish to add or subtract items as the need exists)

  • ARES photo ID card and driver license
  • 2 meter HT (dual band preferred) Radio Basics
  • Dry cell battery pack and 2 sets of batteries (Full power pack)
    (It is easier to find a store selling alkaline batteries in route than a place to plug in your charger for 6 hours in a disaster. Remember, - no power. The batteries can be rotated out of the kit semi-annually)
  • Extended gain antenna for HT
  • 2 meter (dual band) mag mount antenna w/coax
  • Antenna to radio adapter (SMA, BNC, PL259, if needed)
  • Car charger cord for your HT's
  • Headset w/mic or earphone
  • Paper, pencil/pen, clipboard
  • Copy of your radio manuals, cheat sheet or pocket programming guide
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Multi-tool (pliers, screwdriver) or Swiss Army Knife
  • A yellow day-glow vest imprinted with "Emergency Communications" for visibility and identification / recognition.
  • Appropriate clothing
  • Food and water (snacks)
  • Pain reliever or other needed medication
  • Bug spray
  • Cash (power or phone lines may be out)
  • Camera
  • NOAA Weather Radio w/SAME capability
  • Cell phone, w/AC, DC charger cords, battery bank, or other types of charger

  • Additional Radios/packet gear
  • Power Supplies/chargers
  • Antennas w/ mounts
  • Extended gain antenna for additional HT's
  • SWR Bridge (VHF/UHF/HF)
  • ARRL Standardized Connectors (PowerPole) adapters
    (so you can adapter your radio to PowerPole connections or your PowerPole radio to other type of connections)
  • Microphones
  • Tool Box
  • Soldering Iron w/solder
  • Volt-Ohm Meter
  • Safety Glasses
  • RF and Audio Connectors
  • Extra Feedline
  • Patch Cords
  • Electrical and Duct Tape
  • Log Books
  • Headphones
  • Message Forms
  • 3 day change of clothes
  • 3 day supply of food and water
  • Non-Perishable Snacks
  • First Aid Kit (a good kit, not the pocket type)
  • Throat Lozenges
  • Prescriptions
  • Candles
  • Toiletries
  • Shelter (tent and/or sleeping bag)
  • Foul Weather Gear
  • Portable stove
  • Mess Kit w/Cleaning Kit
  • Waterproof Matches
  • Alarm Clock (battery or wind-up)
  • Battery operated AM/FM radio or mini AM/FM radio / TV
  • Maps and compass / GPS
  • Dust mask and Goggles
  • Four Cyalume light sticks (12-hour, green)

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen or block
  • Trash bags
  • Hand cleaner or paper towel
  • Lip balm
  • Tissues
  • Small table and chair
  • Mini first aid kit (personal type is ok)
  • Jacket or rain gear as needed
  • Cap or hard hat
  • Boots or other appropriate footwear
  • Umbrella, canopy or tent
  • Whistle
  • Earplugs
  • Eye protection
  • Toilet paper
  • Safety pins
  • Water purifier
  • Binoculars


  

  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Notepad
  • Paper Clips
  • Rubber bands
  • Clear tape
  • Post-it notes
  • Ruler
  • Envelopes
  • Stapler and staples
  • Calculator
  • Clipboard
  • Highlighter and markers
  • Local Maps

The most important item to bring with you to an event is A POSITIVE, FLEXIBLE, MENTAL ATTITUDE

 

  • Ace wrap
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Antacid (Mylanta)
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Band-Aids: 12 various sizes
  • Benadryl
  • Decongestant
  • Dressing tape
  • Dressings: eight 2-inch × 2-inch
  • Dressings: eight 4-inch × 4-inch
  • Eye dressings
  • Eye wash
  • First-aid book
  • Gauze rolls (Kerlix)
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Instant cold pack
  • Magnifying glass
  • Motrin or aspirin
  • Pen and paper
  • Pepto Bismol
  • Polysporin ointment
  • Pressure dressings
  • Q-tips
  • Scissors
  • Splinter-removal kit
  • Steri-Strips
  • Sun block
  • Thermometer
  • Triangular bandage
  • Tylenol
  • Vinyl gloves

 

 
Revised 03/04/24