ARPSC CHECKLIST
Each Hamilton County ARPSC member is expected to be prepared to respond
as effectively as possible to a callout. No one is expected to ignore personal
responsibilities to their family or employer, or unnecessarily risk their
welfare! However, personal inconvenience or lack of preparation is
insufficient reason for not supporting a callout!
How do I prepare? Put together a "GO-kit" of the items suggested in the
equipment list below.
Please understand that you are not expected to stuff your entire ham shack,
closet, pantry and tool collection into a time capsule in preparation for an
alternative life style to support ARPSC. Instead think about the items you do
not have and assemble your kit while there is time and no urgency.
Your "GO-kit" should be focused on your personal communications
capability, rather than attempting to meet every possible situation that you
can dream of. Remember, you will have to carry everything in it. Save the
additional goodies for your semi-portable kit. Consider your "GO-kit" to be
the goodies you want to have with you to permit you to provide reliable
communications in unreasonable conditions, but with reasonable
comfort and exceptional safety!
To summarize, don't wait until you are called to assemble your "GO-kit". It's
too late then. Do it in advance at your leisure and be ready when the
organic waste material strikes the rotating blades...
Portable - "GO-kit" - Ready at a moment's notice. Packed and in such a size that
you can effectively carry it with you. Presumes you are away from all sources of
power except that which you or someone else totes.
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ARES/RACES/SERVED AGENCY IDENTIFICATION CARD(S) (must be
current)
ARPSC ORANGE HARD HAT (must be international orange)
ARPSC JACKET/VEST/TEE SHIRT/POLO SHIRT (must be international
orange)
Mini HERAC (Handbook for Emergency Response Amateur
Communicators)
HANDHELD RADIO (144/220/440 capability)
SPARE BATTERY PACKS (CHARGED NiCad, NiMH)
ALKALINE BATTERY CASE WITH EXTRA BATTERIES ("clamshell" or
the type that fits your radio, or a "Ham Battery" type)
D.C. POWER CORD WITH FUSES AND MULTI-FUNCTION CONNECTORS
HEADSET, SPEAKER-MIC (The most usable headset in high noise
areas will have noise cancellation in the -20db to -30db to be
effective. **DO NOT USE THE VOX OPTION** on any headset)
Earphones (for use in a noisy environment...stereo headphones
require a stereo to mono adapter plug)
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FOUL WEATHER PROTECTION FOR RADIO AND YOURSELF...A PONCHO
WORKS GREAT (radio protection is a priority...you'll dry out, if you
don't melt)
GAIN ANTENNA, MAG MOUNT OR OTHER TYPE LOCATED AWAY FROM
HT (a 19 in. mag mount will work on 70 cm)
FLASHLIGHT WITH EXTRA BATTERIES AND SPARE BULB (they burn
out)
TRAFFIC DIRECTOR (red shield that fits over flashlight)
BELT HOLSTER FOR FLASHLIGHT (so it can be carried easily)
ASSORTMENT OF ANTENNA CONNECTORS (BNC/PL-259, BNC/SO-239,
some radios require SMA)
ASSORTMENT OF POWER CONNECTORS
COAX ANTENNA EXTENSION ABILITY
POWER EXTENSION (ability to move from primary power source)
SCANNER (pre-programmed with functional frequencies)
BACK-UP POWER SOURCE FOR SCANNER
PENS (gotta work) AND PENCILS (gotta be sharp) Remember, pens
may freeze in cold weather.
FIELD NOTEBOOK (rain proof)
RADIOGRAMS AND/OR MESSAGE FORMS FOR THE SERVED AGENCY
MAPS (street for sure, topo if possible)
COMPASS OR GPS
FIRST AID KIT (personal use only)
POCKET KNIFE (Swiss army survival type)
MATCHES (preferably water proof and/or carried in a water proof
container)
ROPE (1/8 inch poly, for use in hoisting antennas, etc. not for
rescuing)
BOTTLED WATER (as much as possible, remember, you'll be toting it
though)
FOOD (canned or in sealed containers, must last at least 8 hours
standalone)
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BOOKLET
PERSONAL DUST MASK (model N-95, available at Lowe's, $5.95 for 2)
REPEATER DIRECTORY (should be current)
TIME PIECE (watch or clock, preferably one that's right more than
twice a day)
CASH (for pay phones. If power is out cash registers won't work, but
if you have exact change...gotta have it packed all the time, not cash
from jeans pockets)
EXTRA PAIR OF SOCKS
CHANGE OF UNDER GARMENTS
MOIST TOWELETTES OR EQUAL
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Daily medication (if required)
Medical ID with current medical conditions identified (if required)
Bee sting kit
Asthma inhaler (if required)
Contact lenses, case and storage solution (if required)
Extra pair of eye glasses (if required)
Feminine hygiene products (don't laugh, any female operators
working with you may be eternally grateful)
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Kleenex and partial roll of toilet paper
Semi-portable - Packed so you can easily tote it to a site and work out of it noncarried. Presumes there will be an identified place where stuff can be secured and
you won't have to haul it with you. Includes the "GO-kit" above.
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ARPSC ORANGE BALL CAP (must be international orange)
RAIN GEAR (international orange if it will cover up your jacket or
vest)
BOOTS (best if steel toed)
JACKET/SWEAT SHIRT (stuff for chilly conditions)
THERMAL UNDERWEAR/SWEAT PANTS (stuff for cold conditions)
INSULATED GLOVES OR MITTENS (stuff for cold conditions)
EXTRA SOCKS
SAFETY GLASSES (must pass ANSI standards for safety glasses)
DUCT TAPE (the handyman's secret weapon)
TOILET PAPER
BINOCULARS
EMERGENCY "SPACE BLANKET" THERMAL BLANKET
CAMERA
FILM
HEAVY DUTY BATTERY (example: a sealed lead-acid or a gell cell, NOT
a marine battery...remember, you may have to tote it a half mile or
so)
Mobile - Packed and carried with you or easily loaded in your transportation.
Presumes you may have response time to run home and pick it up...but not to hunt
around for and pack all the junk you want to haul. In addition to the above GOkit and Semi-portable list.
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HERAC (Handbook for Emergency Response Amateur Communicators)
EMERGENCY FLARES
EXTRA VEHICLE FUSES
REFLECTIVE TRIANGLES (or other passive road hazard warning
device)
CANDLES AND MATCHES (alternative non-electric source of light)
FIRE EXTINGUISHER (rated for A-B-C fires)
ROPE (heavy duty, 3/8 or 1/2 inch, again not for rigging or rescue)
TOOLS (general automotive tools for light repairs)
SNOW SHOVEL
JUMPER CABLES
TOW CHAINS (to get yourself out of a jam)
LUG WRENCH (because you might get a flat)
SPARE TIRE (inflated)
BLANKET AND/OR SLEEPING BAG (because you might get tired and
get permission to take a nap)
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MAGNETIC VEHICLE I.D. SIGN(S) (any approved vehicle I.D. sign
works here even if not magnetic)
SEALED WATER CONTAINERS
CANNED OR DRIED FOOD (MRE's)
NON-ELECTRIC CAN OPENER (possibly one of the blades on your
pocket knife)
MESS KIT (so you can put your vittles in it and eat 'em)
PLASTIC SHEET OR TARP (may be home for a while)
TIRE CHAINS (cause you might get stuck somewhere)
SAND/SALT (cause you might get stuck somewhere)
ICE SCRAPER (cause you might want to see where you're going)
MARINE OR OTHER FORM OF DEEP CYCLE BATTERY
TENT OR OTHER HOME AWAY FROM HOME (a Winnebago or Class A
motor home nice but not required)
Home - presumes you will be operating out of your house without the benefit of
commercial power or phone service.
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SEALED WATER CONTAINER
CANNED OR DRIED FOOD
EXTRA SET OF VEHICLE KEYS (stored someplace where you can find
them)
GENERATOR WITH AT LEAST A 12 HOUR FUEL SUPPLY
CREDIT CARDS, CHECK BOOK, TRAVELER'S CHECKS AND/OR CASH
(your bank may be in the middle of the "event")
SPECIAL ITEMS FOR INFANTS, ELDERLY, OR DISABLED FAMILY
MEMBERS
SMOKE DETECTOR(S) (must have a fresh battery less than 6 months
old)
CO DETECTOR(S) (must have a fresh battery less than 6 months old)
NON-ELECTRIC CAN OPENER
WEATHER WARNING RADIO (battery operated)
BACKUP ANTENNAS THAT YOU CAN STRING UP (presume your main
array has blown to New Jersey but a couple of trees are ok)
FIRST AID KIT:
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FIRST AID MANUAL
STERILE ADHESIVE BANDAGES - ASSORTED SIZES
2 INCH SQUARE GAUZE PADS (8-12)
3 INCH SQUARE GAUZE PADS (8-12)
HYPOALLERGENIC ADHESIVE TAPE
TRIANGULAR BANDAGES (3)
2 INCH STERILE ROLL BANDAGES (3 ROLLS)
3 INCH STERILE ROLL BANDAGES (3 ROLLS)
SCISSORS
TWEEZERS
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NEEDLE
SAFETY RAZOR BLADE
MOISTENED TOWELS
ANTISEPTIC SPRAY
FEVER THERMOMETER
TONGUE DEPRESSOR BLADES
PETROLEUM JELLY (bread not required)
SAFETY PINS (small container with at least 10 pins)
VINYL GLOVES (to protect from blood-borne pathogens)
ASPIRIN, TYLENOL, EXCEDRIN, ALEVE (whatever works for your
headaches)
ANTI-DIARRHEA MEDICATION
ANTACID
EMETIC (use to induce vomiting if advised by Poison Control Center)
LAXATIVE
CAFFEINE PILLS OR OTHER SLEEP REDUCING, DROWSY REDUCTION
GOODIES
SMELLING SALTS OR EQUIVALENT (in case you or others faint)
EYE WASH FLUIDS
RUBBING ALCOHOL
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (use if advised by Poison Control Center)
PERSONAL MEDICATION (at least one weeks worth per person)
UP TO DATE FIRST AID CARD
UP TO DATE CPR CARD
SNAKE BITE KIT (Well, you're not likely to need it in these parts, but
just for fun)
Many thanks to Herb Nichols W8HRN for compiling the above lists.
Other items it might be nice to have (added to any level):
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Copy of District Operations Manual
List of served agency phone numbers in your area (not just your
district)
Manuals for whatever radios you are using
Boundary-Marking Tape
Insect Repellent (summer)
Sun screen (winter or summer)
Spare shoe laces and some twine
Fanny-pack/Back-Pack
Sports/Bicycle water bottle
High energy snacks
Large trash bags
Whistle
Electrical tape
VOM
Battery quick charger (that operates from a 12 V power source)
Fence Pliers (includes hammer)
Crimp Tool (includes wire stripper)
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Assortment of crimp connectors, nails, brads, tacks
4 or more each of the 4", 8" and 12" plastic cable ties
2 Wire AC Extension Cord w/2-3 pin adaptor
AC to 12V power supply
Soldering Iron (or torch) w/solder
2M Beam Antenna w/Tripod, mast & guy rope
Nut Driver set
Folding set of Allen/Torx wrenches
Zip Cord
AM/FM broadcast band radio
For public service events:
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Cooler with food & drink (should not be diuretics and of course, no
alcohol)
Lawn chair
Umbrella (sun or rain)
Marking your Equipment
There are very few people that would knowingly relieve you of your
equipment but during an event there can be a lot of confusion, especially in
an emergency. If you have each piece of equipment marked with your name
and call it will be much easier to insure your equipment is returned to you at
the completion of the event.