ARES Personal Equipment Checklist
This list is not meant to replace common sense -- only to offer suggestions. Give full consideration to the type of event(s) you will be participating in when gathering your equipment.
Basic Items
- ARES/RACES/SERVED-AGENCY IDENTIFICATION CARD
- COPY OF AMATEUR RADIO LICENSE
- HANDHELD RADIO (dual band if possible)
- SPARE BATTERY PACKs (CHARGED ni-cad and AA)
- HEADSET, SPEAKER-MIC.
- 19-INCH MAG. MOUNT/GROUND PLANE ANTENNA (will function on 70cm)
- COAX JUMPERS AND CONNECTORS
- CONNECTOR ADAPTERS (bnc/pl-259)
- DUCT TAPE
- SHORTHAND NOTEBOOK, PEN & CLIPBOARD
- WATCH
- MAPS of area (Topo and street)!!!
- COMPASS and/or GPS
- Copy of Section ARES Communications/Operational Plan and Local Plans
- COPIES OF MESSAGE FORMS
- TAPE (Boundary-Marking Tape)
- HAT
- Equipment Manuals / Documentation
For public service events:
- HAT
- COOLER with FOOD & DRINK
- LAWN CHAIR
- UMBRELLA (sun or rain)
Survival Items
- 3-DAY SUPPLY OF PERSONAL MEDICATION!
- WARM CLOTHING & BOOTS (bright colors for shirts and jackets)
- FIRST AID KIT
- MOIST TOWELETTE PACKETS
- SUN SCREEN (winter or summer)
- RAIN SUIT
- SPACE BLANKET
- PLASTIC GROUND COVER TARP
- HAT
- GLOVES
- BLAZE-ORANGE VEST (for use if your clothing is drab colored)
- SPARE GLASSES (spare contact solutions if you wear them)
- SPARE SHOELACES (and some twine)
- WOOL BLANKET
- FANNY PACK/BACK PACK
- SUPPLY OF WATER
- WATER BOTTLE (Sports/Bicycle water bottle)
- HIGH ENERGY SNACKS
- LARGE TRASH BAGS
- TOILET PAPER/KLEENEX
- FLASHLIGHT W/EXTRA BATTERIES
- WHISTLE
Tools
- SWISS ARMY KNIFE
- SCREW DRIVER (Phillips and Flat Head)
- PLIERS
- SIDE CUTTER
- CRIMPING TOOL (including wire stripper)
- ASSORTMENT OF CRIMP CONNECTORS (nails, brads, tacks)
- CRESCENT WRENCH
- FENCE PLIERS (includes Hammer)
- ELECTRICAL TAPE
- VOM
Optional Items
- 3 Wire AC Extension Cord w/2-3 pin adaptor
- AC to 12V power supply
- Soldering Iron w/solder
- 2M Beam Antenna w/Tripod, mast & guy rope
- Nut Driver set
- Folding set of Allen/Torx wrenches
- Zip Cord
- Hard Hat
- Safety Glasses
- Cash (for pay phones & if power is out)
- Transistor Radio
- Weather Radio
- Binoculars