Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Name	Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Founded	0 1935
Founder	American Radio Relay League
Location	Newington, Connecticut
Key people	Hiram Percy Maxim
Website	http://www.arrl.org/ares

Amateur Radio Emergency Service. It is a volunteer program established by the American Radio Relay League to provide organized emergency communications support using licensed amateur radio operators. These volunteers work in conjunction with public safety agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community emergency response teams during disasters when conventional systems fail. The service operates under the umbrella of the Federal Communications Commission's rules for the Amateur Radio Service and is structured with local, district, and section levels of coordination.

History and organization

The concept was formally organized in 1935 by Hiram Percy Maxim, the founder of the American Radio Relay League, building upon earlier ad-hoc efforts by radio amateurs during events like the 1927 Mississippi River flood. Its structure is decentralized, with leadership provided by appointed Emergency Coordinators and Section Managers within the ARRL Field Organization. The national framework is maintained from the ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut, while operational control resides with local teams that often integrate directly with county-level Office of Emergency Management offices. This model allows for flexible adaptation to regional needs while maintaining interoperability standards across different ARRL divisions.

Role in emergency communications

Primary functions include establishing backup communication links for agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and the National Weather Service. Volunteers provide critical situational awareness during events such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, often deploying to emergency operations centers and shelters. They handle health-and-welfare traffic, assist with logistics coordination for relief organizations, and support search and rescue operations. This role is formally recognized in the National Response Framework and many state-level emergency operations plans.

Training and certification

While a valid FCC amateur radio license is the primary requirement, volunteers are encouraged to pursue specialized training. This includes courses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Management Institute, such as ICS-100 and ICS-200, which cover the Incident Command System. Many local teams conduct regular exercises simulating events like the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Additional certifications in areas like Skywarn storm spotting, CPR, and Amateur Radio Emergency Communications courses are common. Proficiency in standardized message forms like the Radiogram is also emphasized.

Equipment and modes of operation

Operators utilize a wide array of equipment, from portable HF, VHF, and UHF transceivers to amateur radio satellite terminals and Winlink digital email systems. Common modes include SSB and FM voice, as well as digital protocols like APRS for tracking, FT8 for weak-signal work, and D-STAR or System Fusion for digital voice. Deployments often involve generators, solar panels, and portable amateur radio masts to establish temporary stations at sites like the Memphis International Airport during disasters. Interoperability with public safety frequencies is sometimes facilitated through approved gateway systems.

Notable deployments and events

Volunteers provided sustained communications following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, supporting operations across the Gulf Coast region. The service was activated during the September 11 attacks, handling traffic around the World Trade Center site and the Pentagon. Other significant events include the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Hurricane Sandy, the 2011 Joplin tornado, and the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. Regular support is also provided for large public events like the Boston Marathon and the Tournament of Roses Parade to assist public safety agencies.

Relationship with other agencies

The service maintains formal memoranda of understanding with entities like the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the National Weather Service. It is a partner in the Department of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps program. Locally, teams integrate with County Sheriff's departments, fire departments, and hospital emergency preparedness staff. On an international level, it cooperates with similar organizations such as Radio Amateurs of Canada and aligns with global humanitarian initiatives led by the International Amateur Radio Union. This network ensures a coordinated response alongside professional emergency management personnel.

Category:Amateur radio organizations Category:Emergency communication