ARES Organization
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in the ARES. The only qualification, other than the possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
ALL ARES operations must comply with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). ARES operates under the Incident Command System (ICS) when activated.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all volunteers, including Amateur Radio operators to be certificated in at least IS 100,IS 200, IS 700 and IS 800 course material. For non-governmental employees and others without access to classroom instruction, these courses are available as on-line independent-study courses that are free of charge.
THOSE AMATEUR OPERATORS WHO MAY BE DEPLOYED TO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTERS (EOCs), COMMAND POSTS, PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWER POINTS (911 CENTERS) OR OTHER POINTS WHERE INTERFACE WITH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT ANY LEVEL IS EXPECTED, ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE IS 100, IS 200, IS 700, and IS 800.
The courses are internet-based self study and are available free of charge from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute .
NON-CERTIFIED ARES MEMBERS
If you have not completed the required NIMS courses, you can still be an active ARES member. You can communicate with other amateur radio operators as a spotter, participate in training sessions, assist with preparations etc.
BRUNSWICK COUNTY ARES
The Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Brunswick County is ANTHONY MARZANO - KB9LNU. Anthony is also the Director of the Brunswick County Emergency Services. For more information go to:
Other links for ARES are:
This page last revised: 1/29/2011