Building a go-kit

A go-kit is a small, grab-and-go bag that keeps you on the air when the power's out. Keep it simple and keep it charged.

The essentials

• Radio — your programmed handheld, plus a spare if you have one.
• Power — spare batteries or a battery pack, and a way to charge from USB or a car.
• Antenna — a better aftermarket antenna noticeably improves range over the stock "rubber duck."
• A written cheat sheet — the BEL 550 settings, your call sign, and the net schedule, on paper. Screens fail; paper doesn't.
• Notepad and pen — for passing messages and logging check-ins.

Keep it ready

• Charge batteries on a schedule (a calendar reminder helps).
• Actually practice on a net — the time to learn your radio is before you need it, not during an emergency.
• Store the kit somewhere you can grab it in the dark.