Who does what
ARES
Amateur Radio Emergency Service volunteers support local agencies
Skywarn
Trained spotters report severe weather to the NWS
RACES
Hams working with government emergency management
Your family
Stay safe first, then help if you can
If you hear or have an emergency
- Say 'Break, break' or 'Emergency'Everyone else stops and listens
- Give your location firstWhere, then what happened
- Keep it short and calmAnswer net control's questions
- Stay on frequencyUntil help confirms
The rule
In a true emergency, any station may use any means to call for help.
Getting involved
| Step | Where |
|---|---|
| Free Skywarn spotter class | National Weather Service office near you |
| Join ARES | ARRL section emergency coordinator |
| Check into weather nets | When severe weather is forecast |
| Build a go-kit | Radio, batteries, charger, notepad |
Training is free and open to new hams.
Sources: ARRL ARES; National Weather Service Skywarn; FCC 97.403
Remember
Learn the emergency routine now: location first, short and calm, stay on frequency.
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Answer key
- What does ARES stand for?Amateur Radio Emergency ServiceARES volunteers support emergency communications.
- Who trains Skywarn spotters?The National Weather ServiceNWS offices give free Skywarn classes.
- In an emergency report, what comes first?Your locationLocation first so help knows where to go.
- In a true emergency, who may transmit to call for help?Any station by any meansThe rules allow anyone to use any means when life is at risk.
- What belongs in a radio go-kit?Radio, batteries, charger and notepadPower and a way to write things down are essential.