EmComm

In the United States and Canada, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a corps of trained amateur radio operator volunteers organized to assist in public service and emergency communications. It is organized and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC).

Communication failures have been a defining part of natural disasters and even some human-generated events. Amateur radio provides a means of communication "when all else fails".

https://www.arrl.org/ares

Navarro County ARES

Freestone County ARES

Limestone County ARES

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is a FEMA-sponsored, FCC-regulated (Part 97.407) volunteer organization that provides emergency radio communications for government agencies during disasters. Active only during emergencies, RACES supports local, state, or federal officials when traditional communications fail. In Texas, RACES is under the management of the Texas Department of Emergency Management. 

https://tdem.texas.gov/response/races

Amateur (ham) radio saves lives by providing critical, independent communication during disasters, medical emergencies, and remote, off-grid incidents when cellular networks fail. Operators, often called "hams," use authorized radio frequencies for emergency coordination and personal distress calls.

Key Ways Ham Radio Saves Lives:

• Emergency Communications (EmComm): When disasters like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires destroy infrastructure, ham radio operators provide vital links for local, state, and national agencies.

• Remote Rescue & Travel: In 2024, a ham radio operator was rescued in Death Valley, California, after becoming stuck in a remote area without mobile phone coverage.

• Disaster Response Assistance: During severe weather and power outages, such as the July 4th flooding in Kerrville, TX, hams provided crucial communication support.

• Medical Emergencies: In September 2022, a Wisconsin ham radio operator was able to get help for another operator who was having a medical emergency at home.

• Adventure and Safety: Hikers and travelers in remote areas use VHF/UHF handheld radios or Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) for emergency communication. 

Why Ham Radio is Effective:

• Independence from Infrastructure: It does not rely on cell towers, fiber optic cables, or the internet, operating on independent battery or generator power.

• Global and Local Reach: Hams can communicate locally using VHF/UHF repeaters or globally using high-frequency (HF) bands.

• Network of Dedicated Operators: Organizations like ARRL (American Radio Relay League) and groups like RAYNET in the UK provide coordinated emergency response teams. 

Ham radio remains a crucial, "last-ditch" communication method when all other technologies fail. 

EmComm (Emergency Communications) refers to the use of amateur radio ("ham radio") and other communication technologies to provide vital, backup communication services during disasters, infrastructure failures, or public service events. Volunteers (often ARES or RACES members) use HF/VHF/UHF radios to bridge gaps when cell and landline networks fail.

Key Aspects of EmComm:

• Training and Procedures: EmComm requires specialized training in procedures like Directed Nets, Weather Traffic Passing, Winlink (email over radio) and ICS forms to ensure message accuracy.

• Voluntary Groups: Organizations like the ARRL and local groups (e.g., LA EMCOMM) coordinate trained amateur radio operators.

• Modes of Communication: While voice (FM/SSB) is used, especially for local Weather and Emergency Nets, digital modes are crucial for passing complex, accurate data, often utilizing tools like VarAC in larger scenarios.

• Equipment: Specialized equipment, such as portable antennas and off-grid power, is essential for operations in austere environments. Base or Mobile radios for local Weather and Emergency Nets.

• Local Coordination: EmComm frequently supports local, state, and federal agencies, acting as an auxiliary to first responders. 

How to Get Involved:

• Get Licensed: Obtain an Amateur Radio license (Technician class is the entry level).

• Join Groups: Connect with local ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) groups.

• Train: Take FEMA ICS courses and ARRL emergency communication courses. Consider getting your Skywarn Storm Spotter Training for Local Weather Nets and reporting to the National Weather Service.