SAN MATEO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
Communications Responder Grab & Go Kit
Being prepared as a communications responder involves a wide range of considerations: what radio equipment, tools, power sources, along with clothing, personal gear, and then food and water. Having a go-kit planned and assembled ahead of time will raise your level of preparedness, along with having you ready to go when that call-out happens. There are a number of incidents, be it natural (Earthquake, Wildfire, Storms, and currently in the forefront a Pandemic) or man-made (Attacks, Mass Casualties, Search and Rescue, Aircraft Crash) or finally just a plain scheduled event (Marathon, Parade, Sports Event, or even Field Day).
So you should assemble a go-kit. What is a go-kit? It is a pre-staged collection of equipment and personal gear that you would need to perform your trained duties if called-out to an event or incident. The kit should be tailored to your needs, your typical assignment, and be workable for a typical call-out timeframe, let’s say 72 hours.
Most kits should be broken into a Basic day pack set of items, a 24-hour and long-term needs (again 72 hours, for this discussion).
Day Pack:
- Amateur Radio, Handheld (Dual Band Recommended)
- Speaker Microphone
- Spare Battery for Radio
- Charger and Cord - Radio and Phone, Charger Block
- Charger Block (1200 mAH minimum)
- Antenna Adapter - SMA to N, SMA to SO-239
- Flashlight and Spare Batteries
- Pen, Paper, Sharpie, Gaffers Tape
- Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife
- Whistle
- ANSI Type II Reflective Vest
- 1L of Water
- Small Bag of Snacks
- Pre-packaged First Aid Kit
- Light Sticks
Clothing & PPE:
- Ear Plugs, 2 Sets Disposable
- Leather Gloves or Equivalent (Construction Quality)
- Safety Glasses (With Prescription if Required)
- Hat
- Mask
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Jacket or Windbreaker
Personal Items:
- Government Identification
- Group or Organization Credentials / ID
- Personal Medication(s)
- Cash $40 in Small Bills
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sunscreen (SPF-35 or Greater)
24 Hour Additions:
- Blanket
- Cup/Canteen & Silverware
- Towel and Washcloth
- Rain Gear
- 2 Large Trash Bags
- Assorted Ziplock Bags
- 18 Cable Ties (Assorted Sizes)
- 2 Lengths of 3MM Utility Cord (50 Feet)
- Toilet Paper or Wet Wipes
- Additional 1L of Water
Clothing & PPE:
- Ear Plugs, 2 Sets Disposable
- Leather Gloves or Equivalent (Construction Quality)
- Safety Glasses (With Prescription if Required)
- Hat
- Mask
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Jacket or Windbreaker
Personal Items:
- Additional Medication(s)
- 3 Extra Shirts
- 3 Extra T-Shirts
- 3 pairs of Underwear
- 3 Pairs of Socks
- Extra Pair of Pants
- Shower Sandals
- Soap & Shampoo
- Shaving Kit
- Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash
- Q-Tips
- Comb
- Sewing kit
- Spare Batteries for Flashlight