Getting started with public service events is pretty simple.

• You need a Technician class license.
• You need a HT Radio w/ extra batteries.
• Alternate antenna (better than stock)/antenna mounts (for operating in a vehicle).
• A Safety/High Visibility Vest.
• Notebook with Pencil (maybe a clipboard).

Dress professionally. You are an important part in the event.

• Indoors: A black shirt with khakis, or similar business casual looks, shows professionalism.
• Outdoors: Cargo pants/shorts allow you to carry extra gear.
• Wear weather appropriate clothing. We are often exposed to outdoor environments.
• High visibility vests and hats are encouraged, so both officials and bystandards can identify you.

I think it's really important to standardize your radios. By the time you get antennas, batteries, chargers, mics, and other miscellaneous things, if you haven't standardized on a single radio family, you will be buying a lot of single-device accessories.

Radios and accessories gets expensive fast.

My recommendation is to standardize on BNC. It's made for quick connect and disconnect. It's a widely used standard so you should have no problems finding antennas and accessories. You can find SMA to BNC adapters all over the place.

My Recommended Antennas:

• Signal Stick BNS Antenna
• Diamond RH519 - Short Flexible BNC Antenna

Most modern radios have USB-C charging capabilities. Some also have a 12V input. Regardless of your choice, avoid relying solely on a charging cradle with a wall wart. USB and 12V options enable you to charge your radios in the field using common charging accessories you already use for your phones, earbuds, and other portable devices.

As a new ham, there will be plenty of ways to expand your hobby in the future.

• Focus on good quality VHF/UHF radios.
• Don't get sucked into tri-band or quad-band radios.
• Don't fall for radios that promise power greater than 5W.
• You don't need crossband repeat out of the gate, which is probably better served by a mobile radio anyway.

A 5W VHF/UHF HT will cover 99% of the needs of a new ham.