How to Join ARES/RACES Emergency Nets: A Ham Radio Guide
When disasters strike and cell networks fail, amateur radio operators become the communication backbone for emergency services. ARES and RACES provide structured frameworks for volunteers to serve their communities. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting involved in emergency amateur radio communication.
What Are Emergency Nets?
An emergency net is an organized amateur radio operation where licensed operators check in and communicate under the direction of a Net Control Station (NCS). These nets serve several purposes:
- Training: Regular practice nets develop skills before real emergencies
- Disaster response: Provide backup communication when infrastructure fails
- Public service: Support events like marathons, parades, and community gatherings
- Message handling: Relay formal traffic (radiograms) between locations
Why Ham Radio Still Matters
During Hurricane Katrina, cellular networks were destroyed across the Gulf Coast. Amateur radio operators provided the only reliable communication for days. In 2017, ham operators handled thousands of emergency messages during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. When everything else fails, amateur radio works.
ARES vs RACES: Understanding the Difference
ARES - Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Key Characteristics:
- Can activate independently without government declaration
- Serves served agencies (Red Cross, hospitals, shelters)
- Supports public service events
- Most common volunteer opportunity
- Open to any licensed amateur
Typical Activities:
- Weekly training nets
- Public service events (races, parades)
- Hospital and shelter support
- Severe weather spotting
RACES - Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
Key Characteristics:
- Operates under civil defense authority
- Activated by government emergency declaration
- Works directly with emergency management
- May have exclusive frequencies during emergencies
- Requires registration with local emergency management
Typical Activities:
- Emergency Operations Center (EOC) support
- Government-directed communications
- Coordination with official emergency services
- Civil defense exercises
Dual Enrollment
Many operators register with both ARES and RACES. ARES provides more frequent training and volunteer opportunities, while RACES gives you official standing during declared emergencies. Dual enrollment maximizes your ability to serve.
How to Find Local ARES/RACES Groups
Search ARRL Section Resources
Visit arrl.org/sections and find your state. Look for the Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) contact. They can direct you to your District or County Emergency Coordinator.
Contact Local Ham Clubs
Most ham radio clubs have ARES/RACES liaisons or members. Use the ARRL Club Search or search "[your county] amateur radio club" to find local groups. Attend a meeting and ask about emergency communications.
Check County Emergency Management
Many county Emergency Management Agencies (EMA) list their RACES or auxiliary communication programs on official websites. Search "[your county] emergency management amateur radio" or contact your local EMA office.
Listen to Local Repeaters
Use RepeaterBook.com to find repeaters in your area. Many announce weekly ARES nets or training sessions. Listen for net announcements, typically on Sunday evenings.
Complete FEMA Training
Most ARES/RACES groups require or strongly recommend FEMA Independent Study courses. Start with IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700. These are free online courses that provide essential emergency management knowledge.
What to Expect as a New Operator
Your First Net Check-In
Checking into your first net can be intimidating, but most net control operators welcome new participants. Here's what typically happens:
Standard Net Check-In Procedure
- NCS opens net: "This is [callsign], net control, opening the [County] ARES net..."
- NCS requests check-ins: "Stations please check in with your callsign phonetically, your name, and location."
- You check in: "[Your callsign phonetically], [your name], [your city], first-time check-in" (identifying yourself as new is welcome)
- NCS acknowledges: "Welcome [callsign], we have you logged in [location]."
- Net business: Announcements, training topics, practice messages
- NCS closes net: Thanks participants and closes formally
Training Requirements
Most ARES/RACES groups have structured training programs. Common requirements include:
- FEMA ICS courses: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (free online)
- ARRL courses: EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communication
- Local training: Equipment familiarization, deployment procedures, served agency protocols
- Exercises: Simulated Emergency Tests (SET), Field Day, public service events
Don't Wait Until You're "Ready"
Many people delay getting involved because they feel unprepared. The best way to learn is by participating. Start by listening to nets, then check in with simple status reports. Skills develop through practice, not study alone.
Equipment Recommendations
Minimum Equipment
- VHF/UHF handheld radio: Dual-band (2m/70cm) capable
- Upgraded antenna: Nagoya NA-771 or similar whip antenna
- Extra batteries: At least 2-3 charged batteries or AA battery pack
- Headset or speaker mic: For clearer audio and hands-free operation
- Notebook and pen: For logging contacts and taking messages
Recommended Additions
- Mobile radio: Higher power for vehicle or home base operations
- External antenna: J-pole or base antenna for improved range
- Power sources: Solar charger, portable power station, or vehicle adapter
- Go-bag: Pre-packed kit with all radio equipment ready for deployment
Budget vs Reliable Equipment
Starting with budget equipment like a Baofeng UV-5R is perfectly acceptable for learning and training. However, for actual deployments, many operators prefer more rugged and reliable radios like the Yaesu FT-60R. The Baofeng works, but may have issues with interference in RF-dense environments like emergency operations centers.
Building Your Go-Bag
A "go-bag" or "jump kit" contains everything you need for immediate deployment. Having your equipment pre-packed means you can respond within minutes of activation.
Emergency Go-Bag Checklist
Radio Equipment
- Primary handheld radio
- Backup radio (if available)
- Multiple batteries (3+ minimum)
- Charging cable and wall adapter
- 12V vehicle adapter
- Upgraded antenna
- Speaker microphone
- Headset for noisy environments
Documentation
- License copy
- Local frequency list
- Contact information
- ICS forms (214, 205, etc.)
- Notebook and pens
- Message forms
Personal Items
- Photo ID
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water and snacks
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Personal medications
- Phone and charger
Common Net Procedures
Phonetic Alphabet
Use standard ITU phonetics for clarity. Memorize this alphabet - you'll use it constantly:
Standard Prowords
- Roger: Received and understood
- Affirmative/Negative: Yes/No (clearer than just saying yes or no)
- Stand by: Wait, I'll respond shortly
- Go ahead: I'm ready to receive your message
- Say again: Repeat your last transmission
- Copy: Message received and understood
- Clear: I'm done transmitting for now
- Break: Pause for priority traffic or to separate thoughts
Getting Started: Action Steps
Your First Week
- Get licensed: If not already, study for your Technician exam at HamStudy.org
- Find frequencies: Search RepeaterBook for local 2m/70cm repeaters
- Listen first: Monitor local repeaters for net announcements
- Find your EC: Contact ARRL Section or search for local ARES group
- Start FEMA courses: Begin IS-100 and IS-700 at training.fema.gov
Your First Month
- Attend a meeting: Most groups meet monthly - just show up and introduce yourself
- Check into a net: Participate in a weekly training net
- Complete training: Finish IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700
- Get equipment ready: Assemble basic go-bag contents
- Register: Complete any local registration requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ARES and RACES?
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is organized by the ARRL and provides emergency communication for public service events and disasters. RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) is a government program administered by FEMA that operates under civil defense authority during declared emergencies. Many operators are dual-enrolled in both programs, as RACES can be activated by government authorities while ARES operates independently.
Do I need a license to participate in emergency nets?
Yes, you need at least a Technician class amateur radio license to transmit on emergency nets. However, you can listen to nets without a license to learn procedures and familiarize yourself with operations. Getting licensed is straightforward - the Technician exam has 35 questions and typically requires 1-2 weeks of study.
What equipment do I need to join an emergency net?
At minimum, you need a VHF/UHF handheld radio (HT) capable of transmitting on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. A budget radio like the Baofeng UV-5R works for getting started, though many operators upgrade to more reliable radios like the Yaesu FT-60R. You should also have a better antenna than stock, spare batteries, and a way to take notes.
How do I find local ARES/RACES groups?
Visit the ARRL website (arrl.org) and search for your state's Section Emergency Coordinator. Local ham radio clubs often have ARES/RACES liaisons. Search RepeaterBook.com for repeaters in your area and listen for net announcements. Many counties list their emergency communication groups on official emergency management websites.
What happens during an emergency net?
A Net Control Station (NCS) opens the net and takes check-ins from participating stations. The NCS maintains order, relays messages, and prioritizes traffic. During exercises, you'll practice formal message handling (radiograms), report simulated conditions, and coordinate with other stations. During real emergencies, you may relay critical information between emergency operations centers, shelters, and field units.
How much time commitment is required?
Most ARES/RACES groups hold monthly meetings (1-2 hours) and weekly training nets (30-60 minutes). During actual emergencies, you may be deployed for 4-12 hour shifts. Many groups require a minimum training commitment of 8-12 hours per year. Start by attending a few meetings to see if it's right for you before committing.
Can I help with emergency communications without deploying?
Yes. Many ARES/RACES groups need operators for home stations who can relay traffic, monitor frequencies, and provide backup. You can also help with administrative tasks, training, equipment maintenance, and public outreach. Not everyone needs to deploy to the field - home-based operators are essential.
What is a directed net vs an open net?
A directed net has a Net Control Station who controls all communications - you must be recognized by NCS before transmitting. Emergency nets are almost always directed. An open net allows informal conversations without strict control. Training nets may alternate between directed and open formats to practice both styles.
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