Individual Preparedness – Part 3

Bob Kenyon – K8LJ

February 21, 2007

Following Individual Preparedness Parts 1 and 2 from the previous two weeks, this training tip deals with assembling the various items into what has become known as a “Go-Kit” or “Ready Kit”. With that in mind, I would like to explore the concept of a multi-tiered “Go-Kit”. This is just a straw proposal that hopefully will generate some on-air discussion that will help us determine if the concept makes any sense and is perhaps something we might want to develop further and encourage its use. The idea is based on the premise that the duration of deployments and the items needed at a particular deployment can vary greatly. Hence, the idea of considering a tiered approach, since one size does not fit all needs. Let’s explore a possible “three-tiered” model that, for the moment, to keep it simple, will be driven only by deployment duration:

Tier 1 - A “Basic” or “Stripped Down Kit” that ideally would fit within a single, easily transportable container.

For deployments of a few hours or so

Kept handy for ultra fast deployment

Basic communications systems and supplies, e.g. HT’s, extra batteries, portable antennas (mag mounts and/or roll-up J-poles, etc.), basic tool kit, etc.

Short term personal items and supplies

Tier 2 – A general or “Full Service Kit”

For deployments out to 24 hours

More capable communications equipment, such as 25-50 watt VHF/UHF gear, and more extensive antennas

Additional tools and supplies, both technical and personal

Enhanced power capability, e.g. gell cells and/or deep-cycle batteries

Tier 3 – An “Extended Deployment Kit”

For deployments out to 72 hours

Greater need for self sufficiency

More food and personal essentials, e.g. sleeping gear, multiple changes of clothing, etc.

Greater communications capability, perhaps including an all band, all mode HF rig and appropriate antennas

More power capability, perhaps a generator, if available

This concludes the introduction of the tiered concept. There are obviously addition issues to consider when assembling a proper Go-Kit, such as the time of year and weather. A kit designed for Jan/Feb deployment will not be optimum for a July/Aug deployment, at least from a personal needs and comfort standpoint. But let’s leave that until later and focus on the simple model just presented. With net control’s permission, I would now like to open it up for general discussion.