Amateur Radio Operators' Role in Disaster Communication: RACES, ARES, and Beyond

Amateur radio operators, often referred to as hams, play a crucial role in disaster communications through organizations such as Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) and Amateur Relay Emergency Service (ARES). These groups are essential in providing reliable communication during times of emergency to ensure the safety and welfare of communities.

Understanding RACES and ARES

In many areas, local ham radio clubs recruit members to become RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services) and ARES (Amateur Relay Emergency Service) volunteers. RACES is a state government-affiliated emergency communications organization, where members report to and serve under the authority of the state's Emergency Management division within the Department of Public Safety. Hammer operators must hone their skills and be familiar with procedures and paperwork for handling messages between the public and various agencies. ARES, on the other hand, involves ham volunteers organizing and operating a message handling network under no authority other than their own ham licenses. Local groups often have designated frequencies and procedures for message handling.

Emergency Communication Solutions

Hams have access to multiple tools and networks that enable them to communicate effectively even when the grid has failed. These include:

Dual-Purpose Radios: Most hams have one or more radios that can be operated for hours or indefinitely from alternate power sources such as batteries, generators, or solar power. Handheld Radios: Hams often carry powerful handheld radios that can be used in affected areas to relay important messages. Repeater Installations: Amateur repeater installations, which have emergency power, can provide reliable communication over a wide area. Our local club has a repeater on a commercial tower with emergency power that covers an area of about fifty miles in radius, with a few 'holes' in deep river valleys or on the other side of large hills or mountains.

Relay communications can extend beyond the coverage area of a single repeater. Local hams may travel from long distances to assist or operate from home using a frequency that provides reliable communication to and from the affected region. Regardless of their location, hams are often the only working communication in disaster areas and may be operating from cars, truck beds, or makeshift setups.

Practical Applications

In the simplest example, a ham operator might encounter a stranded motorist in an area with no cell phone coverage. Using a local repeater or their own remotely operated home station, they can connect the motorist via a phone patch to a wrecker, 911, or a family member, ensuring the motorist receives necessary assistance. This kind of operation can be done without any formal activation authority and is a standard practice in amateur radio.

During regional disasters, hams often travel from long distances to provide assistance. They can operate from home via a frequency that provides reliable communication to and from the affected region. Local hams are often the first line of communication in disaster areas and may be operating from car batteries or other emergency power sources. If their antennas survive the disaster, they can often provide near-worldwide coverage with relatively simple equipment. If their antennas are down, they usually have the skills to repair an antenna or set up a temporary one.

Hams must stay up-to-date with the latest technology, training, and procedures to ensure they are always prepared. Regular practice exercises and drills help hams become familiar with the procedures and paperwork for handling messages between the public and various agencies.

In conclusion, ham radio operators play a vital role in disaster communication through their involvement in RACES, ARES, and independent operations. Their willingness to help, combined with their specialized skills and equipment, makes them indispensable during times of emergency. Whether it's helping a stranded motorist or relaying critical information to emergency responders, ham radio operators are always ready to serve their communities.