When disasters strike, cell phones, internet service, and public safety communications can become overloaded or unavailable. Amateur Radio operators provide reliable backup communications to emergency management agencies, hospitals, shelters, and community organizations.
Anne Arundel County ARES and RACES volunteers train throughout the year to provide dependable emergency communications whenever they are needed.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service, commonly known as ARES, is a nationwide volunteer emergency communications program sponsored by the American Radio Relay League.
ARES is made up of licensed amateur radio operators who register their qualifications, communication abilities, and equipment with local ARES leadership. Members train to provide communication support before, during, and after emergencies.
Training and participation may include weekly nets, meetings, drills, public service events, emergency exercises, severe-weather operations, and disaster response.
Storm reports, damage information, and communications support during hazardous weather.
Backup communications for shelters, hospitals, agencies, and emergency operations.
Communication support for races, parades, community events, and other activities.
Nets, meetings, drills, exercises, and emergency preparedness activities.
The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, commonly known as RACES, is a government-authorized emergency communications program made up of licensed amateur radio operators.
RACES supports local, county, state, and federal emergency management authorities during officially activated emergencies. It operates under the amateur radio rules contained in FCC Part 97.
RACES volunteers may provide communication support for emergency operations centers, government agencies, public safety organizations, shelters, resource coordination, and disaster-response activities.
Activated and directed through authorized government emergency-management officials.
Provides backup communication between agencies and emergency facilities.
Supports response, coordination, shelters, resources, and public-safety activities.
Sponsored by the ARRL
Volunteer emergency communications program
Can operate before, during, and after emergencies
Supports agencies and community organizations
Participates in public service events
Focuses on preparedness, training, and service
Government-authorized communications program
Activated through emergency management
Generally used during officially activated emergencies
Supports government emergency operations
Operates under FCC Part 97 rules
Focuses on official emergency communications
Many amateur radio volunteers participate in both ARES and RACES, allowing them to serve in different roles depending on the emergency and the requesting agency.
Anne Arundel County ARES and RACES volunteers support emergency preparedness, training exercises, severe-weather operations, public service events, and communications activities throughout the county.
The Maryland Mobileers Amateur Radio Club supports these efforts through its repeater system, club activities, trained operators, and commitment to public service.
Call Sign: W3CU
Frequency: 146.805 MHz
Offset: –600 kHz
PL Tone: 107.2 Hz
Location: Millersville
Node: 90911
Station: KA2JAI-R
EchoLink availability may support operators joining from outside the immediate repeater coverage area.
The repeater may be used for:
Training nets
Severe-weather operations
Public service events
Emergency communications
Directed nets
Newly licensed and experienced amateur radio operators are encouraged to learn more about emergency communications. You do not need to be an expert before attending a meeting or checking into a training net.
Obtain an FCC amateur radio license.
Attend an Anne Arundel County ARES meeting.
Contact the Emergency Coordinator.
Complete the registration form.
Participate in nets and training.
Volunteer for exercises and public service events.
Continue developing communication and emergency-preparedness skills.
Questions about joining, training, meetings, emergency communications, or public service activities? Contact one of the Anne Arundel County ARES and RACES leadership team members below.
No. Club membership is welcomed, but it is not required to learn about or participate in Anne Arundel County ARES activities.
Yes. Transmitting on amateur radio frequencies requires a valid FCC amateur radio license. People studying for a license may still attend meetings and learn about the program.
Yes. New operators are encouraged to attend, ask questions, check into training nets, and build their skills gradually.
No. A properly programmed handheld radio is enough to begin participating in many local activities.
