Dennis Doty, an NBC-TV transmitter engineer and frequent
contributor to the CGC Communicator newsletter, has graciously listed the
items he carries -- and the precautions he takes -- while traveling the
desolate and sometimes dangerous roads leading to Mt. Wilson.
1. I never leave town without topping off the gas tank. Even if I have 3/4 tank, it's topped off.
2. I carry 2 gallons of drinking water.
3. I have a 5 day supply of MRE's (meals ready to eat).
4. I carry a change of warm clothing and a blanket.
5. I carry Tire Chains at all times.
6. I always drive a Large 4x4 SUV or truck (never a 2 wheel drive
car like I saw a number of people driving in the snow this week
without chains even when Chains Required signs were up).
7. A good tool box, with some wire, spare fuses and so
on.
8. UHF 2 way radios, both mobile high power and a handheld.
I
have all the GMRS/FRS channels programmed into these rigs along with
the area repeaters like Mt. Wilson 462.600/467.600 and Mt. Harvard
462.625/467.625. A VHF radio is also a good addition for
emergency use and
to monitor Angeles National Forest and other emergency services.
9. A battery operated Satellite Phone with car adaptor and
external antenna feature.
10. A portable GPS in case I have to walk out.
11. 10+ Day supply of all medications.
12. First aid kit.
13. Paper and Pen to leave a note in case I have to walk out.
14. A crank-type flashlight.
15. A good walking stick.
16. Finally, I always tell someone where I am going and when I am expected, and check in often.
