|
|
|
|
| Join
ARES |
| Public service/emergency communication is one of the foundations of amateur
radio, and can be both fun and fulfilling. ARES is part of the Amateur Radio
Relay League (ARRL) field organization. It is composed of licensed amateur
radio operators who have registered their equipment and capabilities to
volunteer for public service and emergency communications. You do not need to
be a member of the ARRL to be a member of ARES. |
| ARES
provides communications support to what are called “served
agencies”. These are typically agencies with which ARES has
an established memorandum of understanding. In Bastrop
County, our served agencies are the Bastrop Office of Emergency Managment. The National Weather Service is indirectly one of
our served agencies, as many ARES members are trained storm spotters
and work in conjunction with the National Weather Service during severe weather
situations. We also provide communications for public service
events, such as walk-a-thons, to any governmental or non-profit group
with such a need. In times of emergency ARES members set up
and operate base stations at shelters, command posts, emergency
operations centers, agency headquarters, hospitals, and the like
providing communications among the various agencies and their officials
out in the field. |
| TRAINING |
| Training
has always been an important component of ARES membership. The training
for our members is designed to familiarize them with the needs of our
served agencies, improve skills as radio communicators, and help
promote and maintain a “team” concept among members. In the
post 9/11 era, training is even more critical. Emergency managers are
unwilling to use untrained volunteers. We offer our members training in
basic emergency communications, the incident command structure, severe
storm spotting, training from the Red Cross, and other topics and areas
as necessary. In the past our members have received training in such
things as ground search and rescue, hazardous materials awareness, and
earthquake awareness. |
| WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BECOME A MEMBER OF ARES? |
| Please
read the “Expectations” section below. Our purpose is not
to just add names to a membership list – we are looking for
people who are interested in public service and emergency
communications and will be active members. Whether your ham radio
interests are in HF, digital, or VHF/UHF communications, ARES is a
great way to use your skills and expertise, or to gain additional
experience. |
| Complete
the ARES Registration form, and return it to the Emergency Coordinator
(contact information below). You will then be provided with an a
copy of the Emergency Operations Plan, and a membership list. You
will also be added to the ARES email list and receive a monthly
“newsletter” with information about ARES in Bastrop Counties. |
| EXPECTATIONS |
| As a registered member of ARES, you are expected to: |
- Have or obtain the necessary equipment
to enable you to effectively participate as an emergency communicator
(minimally a dual-band H-T or mobile radio).
- Participate in any required or necessary training, refresher training, and drills
- Attend as many monthly meetings as
possible. These are generally when
training sessions are offered.
- Participate in the weekly ARES radio net when possible
|
| Complete the ARES registration form and return it to Jim Allen, KE5AMB, Emergency Coordinator. |
| Download ARES registration |
| Home Page Top
of Page |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
NOAA Weather Radio Station WXK27
- 162.40 Mhz Austin, TX. |
 |
|
|
