Amateur Radio Emergency Service

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) maintains a mutual agreement with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES). In the event of a disaster or major emergency, ARES may assist in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with supporting crucial avenues of communication. The group has equipped our EOC with complete amateur radio capability, which can be initiated shortly after a disaster strikes. These capabilities allow for continuity of internet, email, phone, and high frequency radio communications. If communications fail, ARES will enable the OEM to continue operations.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES)

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES), a division of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.

ARES Membership Requirements

Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Please inquire at the local level for specific information. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.



For more information: http://www.arrl.org/ares