Each ARES/RACES member is expected to be prepared to respond
as effectively as possible to a callout. No one is expected to
ignore personal responsibilities to family or employer, nor 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-bag" of the
items suggested in the equipment list shown below.
Please understand that you are not expected to stuff your
entire ham shack, closet and pantry into a time capsule in preparation
for and alternative life style in support of ARES/RACES. Rather
that you think about the items you do not have and acquire them
while there is time and no urgency.
The list includes virtually everything you will need to be
helpful in an ARES/RACES event. We suggest you maintain one "go-bag"
with the items that you would need only during a deployment and
possibly a second (or it could be just a list) of the items that,
when added to the first, will provide you with the personal supplies
and radio equipment to make you much more effective and comfortable
during an event.
To summarize, don't wait until you are called to assemble
your "go-bag". Do it in advance at your leisure.
The items shown in UPPER CASE are the ones most likely to
be needed.