When the Grid Goes Down
Hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, ice storms — disasters have a way of destroying the communications infrastructure we rely on most. Cell towers overflow or topple. Internet backbones go dark. Landlines fail. In these moments, amateur radio operators become critical assets for emergency management, served agencies, and their own communities. It's not just a hobby — it's a public service.
Two Key Organizations: ARES and RACES
Most emergency communications (EmComm) activity in the US flows through two parallel but distinct organizations:
ARES — Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARES is organized and managed by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). It is a volunteer organization of licensed amateur radio operators who have registered with their local ARES group and agreed to provide communications assistance during emergencies. ARES groups operate under Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with served agencies such as:
- Red Cross chapters
- Local hospitals and medical facilities
- Emergency Management offices (county/state)
- Salvation Army (through the SATERN network)
- National Weather Service (as Skywarn storm spotters)
RACES — Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
RACES is an FCC-authorized service that operates under government authority during declared civil emergencies. Unlike ARES, which operates voluntarily, RACES requires operators to be registered with their local civil defense agency. During a declared state of emergency, RACES can operate under special authority that supersedes normal amateur radio rules. Many operators belong to both ARES and RACES simultaneously, as the two frequently coordinate.
What EmComm Operators Actually Do
Emergency communication roles vary widely depending on the event:
- Message handling — Passing health-and-welfare messages and logistics traffic via voice or digital modes when other systems are unavailable
- Net control operations — Managing organized radio nets to coordinate multiple stations
- Shelter communications — Providing radio links at evacuation shelters and staging areas
- Skywarn weather spotting — Reporting real-time weather observations to the National Weather Service during severe weather
- Search and rescue support — Providing communications backbone for field teams
- Hospital and medical coordination — Supporting patient tracking and resource coordination during mass casualty events
Essential Skills for EmComm Operators
Technical licensing is only the beginning. Effective emergency communicators develop a specific set of skills:
- ICS/NIMS training — The Incident Command System is used by virtually all emergency management agencies. FEMA offers free online courses (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700) that all EmComm operators should complete.
- Formal message handling — ARRL National Traffic System (NTS) format messages are the standard for relaying written communications
- Net procedures — Operating efficiently and professionally in a directed net environment
- Go-kit readiness — Having a pre-packed, self-sufficient portable station ready to deploy on short notice
- Served agency familiarity — Understanding the needs and terminology of the agencies you support
Building Your EmComm Go-Kit
A basic emergency go-kit typically includes:
- VHF/UHF HT or mobile rig (or both)
- HF portable transceiver if trained for HF EmComm
- Power — LiFePO4 battery pack, solar panel, or both
- Portable antenna(s) for multiple bands
- Message forms and logbooks (paper backup for digital systems)
- Personal safety equipment (vest, ID, first aid basics)
- 72-hour personal supply (food, water, medications)
Digital Modes in EmComm
Modern emergency communications increasingly rely on digital modes alongside voice:
- Winlink — Email over radio, widely used for formal message traffic and check-ins
- NBEMS (Narrow Band Emergency Messaging Software) — Using Fldigi and associated tools for error-corrected text messaging
- APRS — Automatic Packet Reporting System for position tracking and short messaging
How to Get Involved
The best first step is to find your local ARES group through the ARRL's section manager directory (arrl.org/ares). Attend a training net, introduce yourself, and express your interest. Complete the FEMA online ICS courses, participate in public service events to build experience, and work toward becoming a reliable, trained EmComm volunteer. Your community may one day depend on it.