What’s in Your “GO KIT”

The intent of this exercise is to compile a list of the items that belong in a standard “GO KIT”.
A “GO KIT” is a collection of items kept ready to go in the event of an emergency.
My intention is to create 3 levels, Basic, Well prepared, and Optional.

The Basic kit should be small light and packed ready to go at all times.
The Well prepared kit can be a little larger and might contain the basic kit in the same Container.
The Optional kit Contains things You might use on a daily basis but can be gathered up easily in the event of an extended periods.

Ham radio items have been listed separately due to the increased cost of most items.(Not many of us have the cash to dedicate a radio to the go kit)

When putting together Your kit there a few things to keep in mind.
Buy Items to dedicate to the kit.
Having a really great piece of equipment is not so great if it takes You 10 minutes to find.
When You lend out the pocket knife You got at the dollar store It’s not so important if You get it back.
Use alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries will loose their charge when sitting for months.
Stick to AA and D sizes.(You are more likely to find replacements than if You need C or 9 volt.)
Check Your kit twice times a year. Make sure batteries are good and replace seasonal items.(Sunscreen and bug repellent in summer, Hand-warmers in winter.)

Here is a basic list:

Good first aid kit
Heavy leather gloves
Dust mask
Bright orange garbage bags
Para cord
Rope
Multi-tool/Swiss Army knife/Leatherman…with CAN OPENER!
Map of your city/local area
Tarp
Matches, lighter, some sort of fire starter.
Whistle
Chemical “glow sticks”
Toilet paper
Sharpie or permanent marker
Pen, paper, pencil
Rite in the Rain notebook
Candle
Aluminum foil
Rope
Hand sanitizer
Pry bar
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Duct tape
Knife, fork, spoon, bowl, plate, cup, (all metal)
Zip lock baggies ( many of the above small items could be stored in zip lock bags)
Flashlight and spare batteries/bulbs
Battery powered radio and spare batteries
List of important telephone numbers (out of area contacts, kids schools etc)
Heavy duty shears/scissors…e.g. Paramedic style scissors/shears
Some cash…small bills and change
Recent photo of each family member

Please send all comments to va7vau@gmail.com