Maine ARESMaine ARES

The Ready KitThe Ready KitWhat we need to What we need to

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Prepared by Bryce Rumery, K1GAXMaine ARES Section Emergency Coordinator

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What is a Ready Kit?What is a Ready Kit?– Simply defined it’sSimply defined it’s

All the equipment and supplies that an ARES All the equipment and supplies that an ARES emergency communicator would need to emergency communicator would need to accomplish his or her deployed missionaccomplish his or her deployed mission

The Ready KitThe Ready Kit

The last thing you should need to do The last thing you should need to do when a call for assistance comes is when a call for assistance comes is to think of and locate all the items to think of and locate all the items you might need. Any experienced you might need. Any experienced emergency responder knows how emergency responder knows how important it is to keep a kit of the important it is to keep a kit of the items they need ready to go at a items they need ready to go at a moment’s notice. This is often called moment’s notice. This is often called a “Ready Kit” (a.k.a. “Jump Kit”, “Go a “Ready Kit” (a.k.a. “Jump Kit”, “Go Bag” or “Go Kit”).Bag” or “Go Kit”).

The Ready KitThe Ready Kit

Things to consider in preparing a Things to consider in preparing a Ready KitReady Kit– What networks you will join and what What networks you will join and what

equipment you will need to do so?equipment you will need to do so?– Will you need to relocate quickly or can Will you need to relocate quickly or can

you bring “a ton” of equipment?you bring “a ton” of equipment?– Will you be on foot or near your vehicle?Will you be on foot or near your vehicle?– Is your assignment a fixed location or Is your assignment a fixed location or

will you be mobile?will you be mobile?

The Ready KitThe Ready Kit

Things to consider in preparing a Things to consider in preparing a Ready KitReady Kit– How long will you be deployed?How long will you be deployed?

Less than 48 hours, up to 72 hours or even a Less than 48 hours, up to 72 hours or even a week or moreweek or more

– Will you be in a building with reliable Will you be in a building with reliable power and working toilets or in a tent power and working toilets or in a tent away from civilization?away from civilization?

The Ready KitThe Ready Kit

Things to consider in preparing a Things to consider in preparing a Ready KitReady Kit– What type of weather or other What type of weather or other

conditions might be encountered?conditions might be encountered?– Where will food and water come from?Where will food and water come from?– Are sanitary facilities available?Are sanitary facilities available?– Will there be a place to sleep?Will there be a place to sleep?– Do you need a plan for a wide variety of Do you need a plan for a wide variety of

scenarios or just a few?scenarios or just a few?

The Ready KitThe Ready Kit

Things to consider in preparing a Things to consider in preparing a Ready KitReady Kit– Be creative in your thinking and Be creative in your thinking and

planningplanning Try to consider every possible emergency Try to consider every possible emergency

you might be involved in, what you might be you might be involved in, what you might be doing and what you would need to doing and what you would need to accomplish the missionaccomplish the mission

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Have your Ready KitHave your Ready Kit– Planned and packed in advancePlanned and packed in advance– If you are unable to pack your Ready Kit If you are unable to pack your Ready Kit

in advancein advance Have all the items you will need at handHave all the items you will need at hand

– When disaster strikes is not the time to “go When disaster strikes is not the time to “go shopping”shopping”

Have an inventory of the items you will needHave an inventory of the items you will need– Keep your inventory currentKeep your inventory current

Know where they areKnow where they are Have appropriate containers available for Have appropriate containers available for

the suppliesthe supplies– ““You gotta have a place to put your stuff”You gotta have a place to put your stuff”

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There is no stock or standard Ready There is no stock or standard Ready KitKit– It varies with the assignmentIt varies with the assignment– It is individually plannedIt is individually planned– It reflects the needs and capabilities of It reflects the needs and capabilities of

the ownerthe owner– It should be adjusted as new needs are It should be adjusted as new needs are

realized and new equipment and realized and new equipment and capabilities are addedcapabilities are added

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The Ready Kit includes four basic The Ready Kit includes four basic categoriescategories– Communications EquipmentCommunications Equipment– ToolsTools– PowerPower– SuppliesSupplies

AdministrativeAdministrative PersonalPersonal

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Communications EquipmentCommunications Equipment– RadiosRadios

Basic voice and CW equipmentBasic voice and CW equipment Any additional equipmentAny additional equipment

– ComputerComputer– Digital Mode EquipmentDigital Mode Equipment– AdaptersAdapters– Basic Test EquipmentBasic Test Equipment

– FeedlineFeedline To get the signal to the antennaTo get the signal to the antenna

– AntennasAntennas Something to radiate the signalSomething to radiate the signal

ToolsTools– Those tools that you need to install, Those tools that you need to install,

operate and maintain your equipment in operate and maintain your equipment in the field (at a deployed location)the field (at a deployed location)

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PowerPower– AC Power SuppliesAC Power Supplies

With power cords (with adapters)With power cords (with adapters)

– Battery ChargersBattery Chargers– BatteriesBatteries– GeneratorsGenerators

Extension Cords (with adapters)Extension Cords (with adapters)

– Alternate power sourcesAlternate power sources WindWind WaterWater SolarSolar

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SuppliesSupplies– Administrative SuppliesAdministrative Supplies

The Paperwork To Do Your JobThe Paperwork To Do Your Job

– Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies ClothingClothing Food and DrinkFood and Drink Personal NeedsPersonal Needs Safety EquipmentSafety Equipment

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SuppliesSupplies– Administrative SuppliesAdministrative Supplies

Personal identificationPersonal identification– Drivers LicenseDrivers License– EMA ARES/RACES IDEMA ARES/RACES ID– Copy of Amateur Radio LicenseCopy of Amateur Radio License

LogsLogs– ICS Form 309 suggestedICS Form 309 suggested

Message FormsMessage Forms– ARRL RadiogramsARRL Radiograms– ICS Form 213 (ICS Message Form)ICS Form 213 (ICS Message Form)– ARC Form 4612 (Message Form)ARC Form 4612 (Message Form)– ARC Form 2079I (DWI Form)ARC Form 2079I (DWI Form)

Pens and PencilsPens and Pencils Note padsNote pads ClipboardClipboard ARES/RACES documents

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SuppliesSupplies– Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies

ClothingClothing– Clothing appropriate to the emergency conditions, Clothing appropriate to the emergency conditions,

the season and the weatherthe season and the weather– Refer to the location you are being deployed for Refer to the location you are being deployed for

appropriate clothing requirementsappropriate clothing requirements– Make note of the weather forecast for updatesMake note of the weather forecast for updates

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SuppliesSupplies– Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies

Food and drinkFood and drink Do not depend on our served agencies or Do not depend on our served agencies or

those at your deployed locations for food those at your deployed locations for food suppliessupplies

Plan your supplies to last the duration of your Plan your supplies to last the duration of your deploymentdeployment

Keep non-perishable food with youKeep non-perishable food with you Keep about 1 gallon of water per day with youKeep about 1 gallon of water per day with you

SuppliesSupplies– Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies

Prescription Medications for the duration of Prescription Medications for the duration of your assignmentyour assignment

Spare eyeglassesSpare eyeglasses Patent MedicinesPatent Medicines Insect RepellentInsect Repellent SunscreenSunscreen Cash ($ 20.00 in bills and change)Cash ($ 20.00 in bills and change) LightingLighting Sanitary SuppliesSanitary Supplies

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SuppliesSupplies– Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies

Sleeping equipmentSleeping equipment– Folding CotFolding Cot– Sleeping bagSleeping bag– BlanketBlanket– PillowPillow– Ground PadGround Pad– One Man TentOne Man Tent

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SuppliesSupplies– Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies

Safety EquipmentSafety Equipment– Reflective VestReflective Vest– Hard HatHard Hat– Work GlovesWork Gloves– Safety BootsSafety Boots– Hearing ProtectionHearing Protection– Goggles or Safety GlassesGoggles or Safety Glasses– Particle Masks or Respirator Mask w/spare filtersParticle Masks or Respirator Mask w/spare filters– First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit

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Always Remember To Never Always Remember To Never Depend On Our Served Agencies Depend On Our Served Agencies To Provide Us With What We To Provide Us With What We Need To Do Our Job Or Provide Need To Do Our Job Or Provide For Our Personal NeedsFor Our Personal Needs

Have What You Need With YouHave What You Need With You

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The following are examples of The following are examples of suggested Ready Kitssuggested Ready Kits

Remember, the Ready Kit is a Remember, the Ready Kit is a personal thingpersonal thing– Adjust your Ready Kit to your Adjust your Ready Kit to your

capabilities and needscapabilities and needs– Adjust your Ready Kit as your Adjust your Ready Kit as your

capabilities or needs changecapabilities or needs change

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– Communications EquipmentCommunications Equipment

2-meter /dual-band HT (preferred)2-meter /dual-band HT (preferred) Cell phone and /or pagerCell phone and /or pager HT “Gain” antenna, telescoping 1/4 wave, HT “Gain” antenna, telescoping 1/4 wave,

wind- up J-Pole or "Long" Flexible dual-bandwind- up J-Pole or "Long" Flexible dual-band 25 feet RG-58 coax (with connectors)25 feet RG-58 coax (with connectors)

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– ToolsTools

Scout Knife or Multi-Tool Leatherman®, or Scout Knife or Multi-Tool Leatherman®, or Gerber® (preferred)Gerber® (preferred)

Orienteering compassOrienteering compass

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– PowerPower

Spare batteries for Cell Phone or PagerSpare batteries for Cell Phone or Pager Spare rechargeable battery pack for HTSpare rechargeable battery pack for HT Alkaline battery shell for HTAlkaline battery shell for HT

– 3 changes of batteries for alkaline shell3 changes of batteries for alkaline shell

Battery charger for HT/Cell phoneBattery charger for HT/Cell phone Small AC power supply for HTSmall AC power supply for HT

– With power cord and connectorsWith power cord and connectors

Extension cord and power strip w/adaptersExtension cord and power strip w/adapters

Ready KitReady Kit

Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Administrative SuppliesAdministrative Supplies– Personal IdentificationPersonal Identification

Drivers LicenseDrivers License EMA ARES/RACES IDEMA ARES/RACES ID Copy of Amateur Radio LicenseCopy of Amateur Radio License

– LogsLogs ICS Form 309 suggestedICS Form 309 suggested

– Message FormsMessage Forms ARRL RadiogramsARRL Radiograms ICS Form 213 (ICS Message Form)ICS Form 213 (ICS Message Form) ARC Form 4612 (Message Form)ARC Form 4612 (Message Form) ARC Form 2079I (DWI Form)ARC Form 2079I (DWI Form)

– Pens and PencilsPens and Pencils– Note padsNote pads– ClipboardClipboard– ARES/RACES documents

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Matches or lighterMatches or lighter– Whistle Whistle – MDOT or City / County road mapMDOT or City / County road map– SunglassesSunglasses– Emergency cash ($ 20.00 in bills/change)Emergency cash ($ 20.00 in bills/change)– SunscreenSunscreen– Insect repellentInsect repellent

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Clothing appropriate to the seasonClothing appropriate to the season– Rain Gear (rain suit or poncho)Rain Gear (rain suit or poncho)– Personal medications and hygiene itemsPersonal medications and hygiene items– Food, nonperishable, adequate for 24 hours– Water, total of 1 gallon / day minimum – Small AA flashlightSmall AA flashlight

Spare batteries for flashlightSpare batteries for flashlight Spare bulb for flashlightSpare bulb for flashlight

– Watch or battery clockWatch or battery clock

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Spare eyeglasses– Shelter, Space Blanket®, military poncho, or plastic

trash bag, one man tent, etc.– Sleeping bag– Sleeping pad, closed cell foam– Pillow– Towels– Mess kit, military canteen w/cup, knife, fork and spoon– Rope, 20 ft. nylon “flatline,” and 50 feet “parachute”

cord– Personal EPA rated water filter, purification tablets

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Example of a 24 Hour Ready KitExample of a 24 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Safety EquipmentSafety Equipment

Reflective VestReflective Vest Hard HatHard Hat Work GlovesWork Gloves Safety BootsSafety Boots Hearing ProtectionHearing Protection Goggles or Safety GlassesGoggles or Safety Glasses Particle Masks or Respirator Mask w/spare Particle Masks or Respirator Mask w/spare

filtersfilters First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit

Ready KitReady Kit

Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– Communications EquipmentCommunications Equipment

Cell Phone or pagerCell Phone or pager Handheld Radio (dual band, if possible)Handheld Radio (dual band, if possible) Spare battery packs (Rechargeable and battery shell)Spare battery packs (Rechargeable and battery shell) Headset and Speaker/Mic.Headset and Speaker/Mic. Mobile Transceiver (dual band, if possible)Mobile Transceiver (dual band, if possible) Ear PhonesEar Phones Quarter Wave 2 meter Magnet Mount/Ground Plane Quarter Wave 2 meter Magnet Mount/Ground Plane

Antenna (will function on 70 cm)Antenna (will function on 70 cm) Coax jumpers and connectorsCoax jumpers and connectors Connector Adapters (bnc/pl259, bnc/so239, some Connector Adapters (bnc/pl259, bnc/so239, some

radios require SMA)radios require SMA)

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– Communications EquipmentCommunications Equipment

50 feet RG-58 or RG-8x coax w/connectors50 feet RG-58 or RG-8x coax w/connectors Antenna portable mast (10 feet or more)Antenna portable mast (10 feet or more) Portable antenna base or tripodPortable antenna base or tripod Guy ropeGuy rope Tent pegs for guysTent pegs for guys Transistor radioTransistor radio NOAA Weather Alert RadioNOAA Weather Alert Radio

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– ToolsTools

Swiss Army - type – knife or Multi ToolSwiss Army - type – knife or Multi Tool Screw driver (Phillips and flat blade)Screw driver (Phillips and flat blade) PliersPliers Side cuttersSide cutters Crescent wrenchCrescent wrench Electrical tapeElectrical tape VOMVOM Fence pliers (includes hammer)Fence pliers (includes hammer)

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– ToolsTools

Soldering Iron w/solderSoldering Iron w/solder Nut Driver setNut Driver set Folding set of Allen/Torx wrenchesFolding set of Allen/Torx wrenches Zip CordZip Cord Crimp tool (includes wire stripper)Crimp tool (includes wire stripper) Assortment of crimp connectors, nails, brads, Assortment of crimp connectors, nails, brads,

tackstacks 4 or more each of the 4", 8" and 12" plastic 4 or more each of the 4", 8" and 12" plastic

cable tiescable ties

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– PowerPower

Spare rechargeable battery pack for HTSpare rechargeable battery pack for HT Spare batteries for Cell Phone/PagerSpare batteries for Cell Phone/Pager Alkaline battery shell for HTAlkaline battery shell for HT

– 3 changes of batteries for alkaline shell3 changes of batteries for alkaline shell

Battery charger for HT/Cell PhoneBattery charger for HT/Cell Phone AC power supply for Mobile TransceiverAC power supply for Mobile Transceiver

– With power cord and connectorsWith power cord and connectors

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– PowerPower

12V gel cell 75 A/H w/ charger 12V gel cell 75 A/H w/ charger or Vehicle w/ 12V battery & gasVehicle w/ 12V battery & gas Extension cord and power strip w/adaptersExtension cord and power strip w/adapters

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Administrative SuppliesAdministrative Supplies– Personal IdentificationPersonal Identification

Drivers LicenseDrivers License EMA ARES/RACES IDEMA ARES/RACES ID Copy of Amateur Radio LicenseCopy of Amateur Radio License

– LogsLogs ICS Form 309 suggestedICS Form 309 suggested

– Message FormsMessage Forms ARRL RadiogramsARRL Radiograms ICS Form 213 (ICS Message Form)ICS Form 213 (ICS Message Form) ARC Form 4612 (Message Form)ARC Form 4612 (Message Form) ARC Form 2079I (DWI Form)ARC Form 2079I (DWI Form)

– Pens and PencilsPens and Pencils– Note padsNote pads– ClipboardClipboard– ARES/RACES documents

Ready KitReady Kit

Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Matches or lighterMatches or lighter– Whistle Whistle – MDOT or City / County road mapMDOT or City / County road map– SunglassesSunglasses– Emergency cash ($ 20.00 in bills/change)Emergency cash ($ 20.00 in bills/change)– SunscreenSunscreen– Insect repellentInsect repellent

Ready KitReady Kit

Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Clothing appropriate to the seasonClothing appropriate to the season– Rain Gear (rain suit or poncho)Rain Gear (rain suit or poncho)– Personal medications and hygiene itemsPersonal medications and hygiene items– Food, nonperishable, adequate for 72 hours– Water, total of 1 gallon / day minimum – Small AA flashlightSmall AA flashlight

Spare batteries for flashlightSpare batteries for flashlight Spare bulb for flashlightSpare bulb for flashlight

Ready KitReady Kit

Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Spare eyeglasses– Shelter, Space Blanket®, military poncho, or plastic

trash bag, one man tent, etc.– Sleeping bag– Sleeping pad, closed cell foam– Mess kit, military canteen w/cup, knife, fork and

spoon– Rope, 20 ft. nylon “flatline,” and 50 feet “parachute”

cord– Personal EPA rated water filter, purification tablets

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Folding cotFolding cot– PillowPillow– TowelsTowels– Battery or AC desk lampBattery or AC desk lamp– Battery or windup clockBattery or windup clock– Portable shack:

Shelter tent Table & chair

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Example of a 72 Hour Ready KitExample of a 72 Hour Ready Kit– SuppliesSupplies

Personal SuppliesPersonal Supplies– Safety EquipmentSafety Equipment

Reflective VestReflective Vest Hard HatHard Hat Work GlovesWork Gloves Safety BootsSafety Boots Hearing ProtectionHearing Protection Goggles or Safety GlassesGoggles or Safety Glasses Particle Masks or Respirator Mask w/spare Particle Masks or Respirator Mask w/spare

filtersfilters First Aid KitFirst Aid Kit

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As you can see, the 24 hour As you can see, the 24 hour suggested ready kit and the 72 hour suggested ready kit and the 72 hour suggested ready kit are a lot alikesuggested ready kit are a lot alike– The main difference is that there is more The main difference is that there is more

in the 72 hour suggested ready kitin the 72 hour suggested ready kit

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Maintenance of the Ready KitMaintenance of the Ready Kit– The Ready Kit should be inspected quarterlyThe Ready Kit should be inspected quarterly

Does all radio equipment work properly?Does all radio equipment work properly? Is all radio support equipment in good condition?Is all radio support equipment in good condition? Are rechargeable batteries properly charged?Are rechargeable batteries properly charged?

– Rechargeable batteries will self discharge without useRechargeable batteries will self discharge without use Are alkaline batteries within their wear out date?Are alkaline batteries within their wear out date? Are battery chargers and power supplies working Are battery chargers and power supplies working

properly?properly? Are all tools in good condition and working?Are all tools in good condition and working? Is all safety gear in good repair?Is all safety gear in good repair? Are all personal items working, in good repair and Are all personal items working, in good repair and

within the wear out date?within the wear out date?– Are medications current and within code?Are medications current and within code?

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The Ready KitThe Ready Kit– Is all the equipment and supplies that an ARES Is all the equipment and supplies that an ARES

emergency communicator would need to emergency communicator would need to accomplish his or her deployed missionaccomplish his or her deployed mission

– Is planned and packed in advanceIs planned and packed in advance– Varies with the assignmentVaries with the assignment– Is individually plannedIs individually planned– Reflects the needs and capabilities of the Reflects the needs and capabilities of the

ownerowner– Should be adjusted as new needs are realized Should be adjusted as new needs are realized

and new equipment and capabilities are addedand new equipment and capabilities are added

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The Ready KitThe Ready Kit– Can be used in emergency or non-Can be used in emergency or non-

emergency situations (such as public service emergency situations (such as public service events)events) Good to exercise your Ready Kit on a regular Good to exercise your Ready Kit on a regular

basisbasis

– Should be maintained on a regular basisShould be maintained on a regular basis Quarterly is highly recommendedQuarterly is highly recommended

– Is an essential part of any emergency Is an essential part of any emergency communicator’s responsecommunicator’s response You can’t accomplish the mission without “the You can’t accomplish the mission without “the

right stuff”.right stuff”.

– Is always flexible depending on the situationIs always flexible depending on the situation

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Have fun planning and packing your Ready Kit!

Presented By Presented By

Maine ARESMaine ARES

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