Emergency Communications Info

ARES – The Amateur Radio Emergency Service

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, 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 to apply for membership in ARES.  Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES.  Please inquire at the local level for specific information.  Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.

ARES information can be found at Coastal Bend ARES.

For More Information contact Mark Mireles AD5CA at AD5CA@ARRL.NET

RACES – The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

In Texas, RACES is part of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Texas RACES,  almost never starts before an emergency and is active only during the emergency and aftermath, only if government emergency management officials request communications support. RACES primary mission is to provide backup communications for the State of Texas, and any governmental jurisdiction that request our support.

RACES operators and teams must be sponsored by a state or local government for use in emergency communications. RACES is governed by Part 97 of FCC Rules, and the rules enforce several restrictions and grants several additional privileges for RACES stations. Post 9-11, since operators in many instances must be in governmental facilities to do their jobs, The TDEM requires RACES operators to pass a DPS background check as part of the accreditation process. When you join the RACES program you will receive a Standard Operating Procedure “SOP” book that spells out the minimum participation requirements as well as an in-depth look at Texas RACES program.

For More information contact Jim Wilken N5VL at racesdro20@gmail.com

National Weather Service – SKYWARN Storm Spotter

Helpful and FREE training provided by the National Weather. Learn how to identify and report hazardous weather directly to the National Weather Service.

2022 NWS CRP SKYWARN Training can be found at https://www.weather.gov/crp/skywarn

MARS – The Military Auxiliary Radio System

MARS has not yet announced COMEX dates in 2022. MARS members will operate on 60 meters for interoperability with the amateur radio community. Some dates may coincide with quarterly Department of Defense Communications Events.

MARS Exercises (COMEX) Dates:

NOTE: All exercises will begin on channel 1 as the initial calling channel and move to other 60-meter working channels as may be appropriate.

The interoperability schedule is as follows:

No COMEX’s are scheduled at this time.