KNW-112 GoBag Contents Part 1

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KNW-112
GoBag Contents Part 1


The GoBag is a set of pre-prepared, portable containers, often on wheels, that contain all of the ‘stuff’ you will need to survive a given event. It can be very simple if deployment is to an established EOC like ‘Transtar’ with pre-positioned radios, antennas, power (including backup generators), toilet facilities, etc. or it can be very in depth if your deployment is to a position surrounded by nothing but Pine trees (famous for eating radio signals) beside a gravel road.

Operators need to understand that there are prerequisites for ALL deployments. If you want to be on the list, complete the training requirements found on the STX ARES Information Depot page. If you want to work the Harris County EOC located in the Transtar building, Web EOC application training is required. If you want to be a weather spotter, you need to have Skywarn training. A recent requirement is that you are trained on National Traffic System (NTS) messaging. Otherwise you will likely be operating from your home shack. On the other hand, evacuation may force you to work from a relative’s home or a motel room so preparing a GoBag is still a good idea.

Preparation
Each EmCom member is expected to be prepared to respond as effectively as possible to a callout. No one is expected to ignore personal responsibilities to family or employer nor unnecessarily risk their welfare! Personal inconvenience or lack of preparation, however, is insufficient reason for not supporting a callout! Your presence might save lives.

How do I prepare? Put together a “go-bag” of the items suggested in the equipment lists shown below. Please understand that you are not expected to stuff your entire ham shack, closet, garage and pantry into a time capsule in preparation for an alternative life style in support of EmCom. Rather that you think about the items you do not have and acquire them while there is time and no urgency. The list includes virtually everything you will need to be helpful in an EmCom event. We suggest you maintain one “go-bag” with the items that you would need only during an anticipated, short term, supported deployment and possibly a second kit, or possibly a list, that includes the location of items that, when added to the first, will provide you with the personal supplies and radio equipment to make you much more effective and comfortable during an extended or remote deployment for which you’re qualified.

To summarize, DON’T WAIT until you are called to assemble your “go-bag”. Do it in advance of anticipated events. Remember, fires, earthquakes, etc. often don’t provide either a warning or time to pack. The items shown in UPPER CASE are the ones most likely to be needed.

Equipment:
  • ARES/EmCOMM/RACES/SERVED-AGENCY IDENTIFICATION CARD(S)
  • COPY OF AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE
  • HANDHELD RADIO (dual band if possible)
    • SPARE BATTERY PACKs (CHARGED nicad and AA) /w CHARGER and power supply
  • HEADSET, SPEAKER-MIC. The most usable headset in high noise areas will have noise cancellation in the -20db to -30db range to be effective. Speaker mikes will be very hard to hear in high noise environments.
    • **DO NOT USE THE VOX OPTION** on any headset.
  • 19 IN., MAG. MOUNT ANTENNA with GROUND PLANE KIT (will also function on 70 cm)
    • MAST OR PUSH-UP POLE when not in vehicle.
  • COAX JUMPERS AND CONNECTORS
  • CONNECTOR ADAPTERS (bnc/pl259, bnc/so239, some radios require SMA)
  • DUCT TAPE
  • SHORTHAND NOTEBOOK, PEN & CLIP BOARD
  • WATCH or DIGITAL CLOCK
  • MAPS OF THE AREA (Topo and street)!!!
  • COPIES OF MESSAGE FORMS: Activity Log, ICS-213,
  • Compass and/or GPS
  • Copy of District & Unit Operations Manual.
  • List of served agency phone numbers in your area (not just your district)
  • High-viz Boundary/Wire Marking Tape
Survival Items:
  • 3 DAY SUPPLY OF PERSONAL MEDICATION!
  • CLOTHING & BOOTS appropriate for the season (bright colors for shirts and jackets)
  • HAT – (this is IMPORTANT for everyone)
  • LEATHER GLOVES
  • SPARE GLASSES (spare contact solutions if you wear them)
  • FIRST AID KIT/Trauma Kit
    • Insect Repellent (summer)
    • Sunscreen
    • Headache/upset stomach/anti-Diahrea/anti-bacterial & virucidal cream/Calamine lotion
  • HAT
  • SUNGLASSES
  • WATER (The warmer your region, the more you need but EVERYONE needs water with them. Take a minimum of two times the amount of water you expect to need.)
    • WATER FILTER
    • Water Purification Tabs (two is one and one is none.)
  • TOILET PAPER/KLEENEX
  • HEADLAMP or Flashlight W/extra batteries. Headlamps keep hands free and the mouth empty.
  • RAIN SUIT/PONCHO
  • HI-VIZ ORANGE VEST (for use if your clothing is drab colored)
  • Moist Towelette Packets
  • Space Blanket
  • Plastic ground cover tarp
  • Spare shoe laces and some twine
  • Wool blanket
  • Fanny-pack/Back-Pack
  • Sports/Bicycle water bottle
  • High energy snacks and meal replacement bars
  • Large trash bags
  • Whistle
Tools:
SWISS ARMY KNIFE or MULTITOOL
SCREW DRIVERS (philips and flat)
PLIERS
SIDE CUTTER
CRESCENT WRENCH
ELECTRICAL TAPE
VOM
FUSES
Fence Pliers (includes hammer)
Crimp Tool (includes wire stripper)
RF connector crimper
Assortment of crimp connectors and RF connectors
Nails, brads, tacks
Rope and fishing line
4 or more each of the 4″, 8″ and 12″ plastic cable ties
For public service events:
COOLER with FOOD & DRINK
Lawn chair
Folding table
Tablet or 3-ring binder
Umbrella, tarp or canopy (sun or rain)
Optional items:
  • 3 Wire AC Extension Cord w/2-3 pin adaptor
  • AC to 12V power inverter
  • Soldering Iron w/solder
  • 2M Beam Antenna w/Tripod, mast & guy rope
  • Nut Driver set
  • Folding set of Allen/Torx wrenches
  • Zip Cord
  • Cash (for pay phones & if power is out)
  • Transistor radio
  • Binoculars
HF Unique:
  • HF rig (12V dc preferred) with:
  • Microphones (and a backup for each radio)
  • Noise Cancelling Head phones, external speaker
  • Morse Code Key if appropriate
    • Multi-band, NVIS antenna: which is NOT a mobile vertical, 75m dipole or 130 ft of wire
    • Multi-band Dipole antenna
      • 50+ ft. of RG8X or better coax with appropriate antenna/radio connectors for each antenna.
      • Insulators
      • Antenna switch
      • Lead weight & 50 ft light line for tossing over branches (or bow & arrow or slingshot)
      • Guy ropes
        • Tent pegs for guys
      • High-viz marking tape to warn passers-by of antenna cables, lines and guys
      • Antenna Tuners
      • 3 Masts for the NVIS: One sectional, 20 foot with guy wires and two 8ft or more all preferably non-conductive to dissuade lightning strikes.
  • Power source (one or, preferably, more):
    • 12V gel cell 75 A/H or better w/ charger (generator with DC inverter or Vehicle w/ 12V battery & gas)
    • Deep discharge, 12 volt marine battery with the same charging options
    • Automobile with accessible battery terminals
      • Cable with alligator clamps on one end and Anderson PowerPole connectors (or other) on the other end.
      • Adequate gasoline.
Portable shack:
  • Shelter Tent large enough to stand in or tarp w/grommets on corners and center, 5 poles, and ropes
  • Table & chair
  • Forms, logs, pens, pencils
  • 12 volt Work light(s)

REF: From: www.w0ipl.net/ECom/perseqip.www.w0ipl.net/ECom/perseqip (link broken)

That is the end of tonight’s training. Are there any comments, questions or suggested additions?

Thanks, this is (callsign) clear to net control.