PCERT Members, do you have everything you need handy in case of a callout?
Here is a list of some of the things you should remember to carry with you or have handy just in case.
You should always have your PCERT bag with your green vest, hard hat, glasses, flashlight, gloves, raincoat, and other issued gear in it, close at hand. It's a good idea to keep it in your car or truck so it's handy. These too, are required to enter operations areas.
It's a good idea to keep a pair of hiking boots and extra socks with you, in the PCERT bag or another bag, in case of a search and rescue.
Always have the right clothes for the season ready and lots of extra batteries for lights, radios, and cell phones are a good idea as well.
Everyone should have a small survival pack with matches, extra compass, special medicine, and whatever else you need in case of an emergency. Survival packs can be tailored to individual needs but should contain at least the items listed above and a 55 gal. size trash bag for shelter.
(Remember that you may have to survive outside in hostile weather, possibly even overnight, during wilderness searches so be always be prepared to do so. Don't overload yourself with equipment and clothing but do carry the right stuff for the season and the job.)
A lightweight backpack/daypack is a good idea. Large enough to carry what you need but not so large as to be combersome. It's too easy to overload a large pack so keep it compact. Carry just what you need to do the job and emergency supplies only.
Water-----always have plenty of water ready to go no matter what the season.
Food----don't overload yourself but carry enough food to keep up your energy in the wilderness. Dried food and energy bars are good light weight choices. Don't carry stuff that is easy to choke on!
A knife---it's a good idea but be carefull, a multi tool may be a better choice.
Navigation pack---compass/GPS, maps, and other tools should be kept ready.
Compact Binoculars--they're really an asset and the cheap ones at Wal-Mart (about $20.00 to $30.00) work just fine. They save a lot of steps.
Remember that very nature of search and rescue means that you may have to help carry someone else out so pack your equipment with that in mind.
Some hints,
Make sure your boots are already broken in. New boots are terrible sometimes and a search and rescue isn't the place to break them in.
Carry extra dry socks. You'll be glad you did.
A walking/hiking stick can be an asset too. Solid ones made of ash about five feet long are very good choices because they are strong and lightweight. There are a lot of other wood walking sticks that are good choices and they are usually cheaper than commercial walking/hiking sticks. The fancy adjustable ones made of metal or fiberglass usually work well too, just make sure they are strong enough to support your weight without folding up or breaking!
Other stuff will be added to this page as suggestions come in so check back and remember to always be prepared------------just in case!