Harbor Freight Alert: Looking for something a little less expensive that those $50 Anderson Power Pole crimpers on the web? Go to Harbor Freight and get a $10 Lineman's pliers & Crimping Tool. There will be 2 sets of pliers in the one package. Works on power poles just fine. Thanks to KD7UM for that tip, also.
Grab & Go kit lists can get a bit on the long side. I use them as guidelines, not hard and fast lists.
South County ARES Grab and Go Kit Check List
Also available in PDF format at http://k6mpn.org/grab-n-go.pdf
2 meter HT plus 12 hours worth of batteries (a dual band 2M/440 is better)
Consider a waterproof bag to protect it from the elements
1/2 wave gain antenna for better performance and a magnetic mount antenna
AC to DC adapter and auto cigarette lighter plug cable to power HT
Remote speaker/microphone or headset
Headphones with correct connector to plug into radio, for use in noisy areas
Extra coax for antenna and connectors and adapters for radio
Thomas Guide Map book or other maps
Repeater listing frequency Directory
Users manual for your radios or cheat sheets
Message forms, writing pads, pens and clipboard
SCARES badge, copy of FCC license
Appropriate clothes for the weather, terrain and duration.
Dress to stay warm and dry.
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock during warm sunny weather.
Food, water, and needed medicines for at least 12 hours
First Aid Kit, First Aid and CPR training?
Night time gear, flash, light extra batteries and bulb, reflective vest, flares in vehicle
Small tool kit, gas and water shut off tools
EXTRA ITEMS
Second radio with 12 hours of battery power
Base station antenna i.e.. J-pole and mounting hardware
50 feet of coax with connectors
Scanner radio and frequency list of local public safety agencies
Large 12 volt battery, Gel or deep cycle, charger, 100 feet of AC power cord,
large gauge
Poster paper, markers and tape for signs
Hard-hat for your head
Here are some other interesting Grab & Go suggestions.
http://www.fabulousrocketeers.com/WA4DQS_Go_Kit_Ideas.htm
http://www.qsl.net/kc0nrk/go-bags.html
http://www.athensarc.org/gokit.asp
http://www.dcarc.net/go/index.php/ares/15-ares/84-davis-county-amateur-radio-emergency-service-grab-and-go-kit
Another handy item for your grab and go kit is a couple of 3-way electrical adapter (for 2 prong outlets). These are available at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Harbor Freight, among others.
Turn a headlamp or flashlight into a wide area light.
1. Aim a flashlight at the ceiling.
2. This portable lamp is just a gallon milk jug filled with water, with a headlamp pointing into it. It's a clever repurposing trick that creates a great soft light perfect for reading, writing or illuminating indoors or out.
http://www.slcfoothillnet.blogspot.com/
I still think the BEST wide area light is an LED Lantern. Ebay has dozens of different kinds. Read the descriptions carefully to avoid problems.
Here is an LED lantern that I bought on the web for $12. It has 24 very bright LEDs and runs on 4 D Cell batteries. Very, very bright light.
Here is one that looks almost identical. Bought it on eBay for $5.47. Only difference I could see in the eBay listing was that the less expensive one used AA batteries rather than "D" cells.
The only visible difference is the color. They both have a little compass on top and a handle that folds down. However, there are two BIG differences. The second one is about 3 inches tall whereas the first one is over 7 inches tall. The batter cover on the second one is so cheaply done that when AA batteries were inserted, one of the locking tabs on the light broke off, leaving just one tab to hold the cover on. Looks are deceiving. Ask questions of the seller before bidding. Some of them purposely leave off important details.
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