Equipment Recommendations

Being prepared for an ARES/RACES assignment involves a wide range of considerations, including radio equipment, power sources, personal gear, clothing, food and water, and information and specialized training. This page lists the minumum equipment you should have with you when volunteering for an ARES/RACES assignment. The equipment listed below is intended for a basic assignment lasting up to a day or more. For an in-depth discussion of this topic, see the Emergency Communicator's Handbook.

Basic Equipment

These are the basic items you should have with you while you are deployed at your assignment:

Information:

• Driver's license

• Washoe County Amateur Radio Emergency Service identification badge

• Copy of Amateur Radio license

• Emergency Communicator's Handbook

• Frequency list and net schedules

• Contact information for Washoe County Amateur Radio Emergency Service leaders and members

• Maps, both street and topographic

• ICS-309 log sheets, ICS-213 and Radiogram message forms, and other standard forms.

• Notepads, sticky notes

• Paper clips and rubber bands

• Pen or pencil

Food, clothing and shelter:

• High-energy snacks

• Bottled water or containers filled before departure

• Water filter or water purification tablets

• Money, including change for vending machines, tolls, etc.

• Clothing for the season, weather, and length of assignment

• Foul-weather or winter gear

• Boots or heavy shoes

• Hat

• Work gloves

• Disposable ear plugs

• Impact-resistant glasses or safety goggles

• Dust mask

• Yellow/green ARES safety vest

• Leatherman-type multi-tool, or Swiss Army knife

• Sleeping bag, mattress pad, and pillow

• Tent or pop-up shade canopy

• Flashlight and extra batteries

Personal items:

• Comb or hair brush

• Antiperspirant or Deodorant

• Bar soap or waterless hand sanitizer

• Shampoo

• Towel and washcloth

• Toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, dental picks

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Spare eyeglasses

• Contact lens solution, storage case, and spare lenses

• Prescription medications

• Personal first-aid kit