ARES provides communications support to served agencies. This may be as simple as coordinating a local parade or communicating urgent messages at an evacuation shelter.
Training is the primary function of the ARES group. We are constantly upgrading our skills in being prepared for emergency duty by participating in both formal classroom training and drills. We learn to fit into the ICS (Incident Command System) commonly used by most of our served agencies.
Requirements are based on your interest and skill level. Basic use of a VHF or UHF radio is an entry point for most of our members. Skills at message handling, net operations, deployment to a served agency site and leadership of a response team are all attributes available to be acquired by our members. Opportunities to participate at your interest level are always available.
Membership is open to any licensed amateur radio operator, regardless of license class or ARRL membership status. The primary requirement is your enthusiastic interest in supporting our served agencies when and where needed. There are no dues or other fees associated with membership. Donation of your time and equipment is more than sufficient to support your participation.