When you complete your CERT Basic Training, you’ll be issued a basic CERT supplies kit which includes your backpack and other basic response supplies. We know you’ll likely want to upgrade and add to your kit so here are a few suggestions.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipement)
- Cough drops (when you have to talk or yell for extended periods)
- Hand sanitizer
- Knee pads
- Non-stick work gloves
- Poncho (One yellow, one orange)
- Jacket – Rain & Cold Weather
- Sunscreen
- Traffic Control Gloves
- Upgraded Helmet
- Upgraded Vest
- Recommend fluorescent lime green for traffic & fluorescent orange for search & rescue
Lighting
- Glow sticks
- Guardian Angel Light
- These lights clip on to your vest or shirt so you can be visible at night. This particular model features a top infrared light which is useful to be seen by night vision during search and rescue.
- Flashlight
- Headlamp (for hands free)
- Traffic Wand
- *Spare batteries for any light that requires them
Communication
- Ideally, we would like to see our entire team obtain their amateur radio license. We offer classes throughout the year that are free for our CERT volunteers.
- If you don’t have your amateur radio license, we encourage you to at least have an FRS/GMRS repeater capable radio such as this one.
- Whistle
Search & Rescue
- Compass
- Handheld GPS
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- This unit is pricey but offers many features including a subscription based satellite messaging
- Garmin GPSMap 66s
- Same unit as above but minus the satellite based messaging
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i
- Jumbo Sticky Notes
- For marking cleared rooms during a building search
- Lumber Crayons
- Used for writing for search and rescue marking
- Paracord 100′
- Counting Clicker
- Used to count number of steps taken during a grid search
- Small Dry Erase Board w/Grid & Dry Erase Markers
- Used to communicate with individuals who have hearing loss and for grid searches
- Strong carabiner
First Aid
- Pocket assessment card
- Thermal blankets
- Triage tape
- Upgraded fist aid kit (Several options on this site)
Misc.
- CERT Field Operating Guide
- Cell charger battery w/solar panel
- Gas & Water shutoff tool
- Multi-tool
- Waterproof Notebook
- Waterproof Pen
Automotive