Amateur Radio

Amateur, or “ham” radio, plays an important role in emergency communications.  During states of emergency or disaster, traditional telephone, cellular, radio or internet systems may become overloaded or damaged.  Ham radio operators have access to radio frequencies and networks that inherently operate well in emergencies. 

The Arizona State Emergency Operations Center is equipped with several amateur radios, with both voice and data capability. 

All employees of the ADEM communications unit hold amateur radio licenses.

RACES
RACES is a standby radio service provided for by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations governing amateur radio in the United States. Radio Amateure Civil Emergency Service (RACES) was founded in 1952, to replace the FCC’s Amateur Radio Service during wartime. Standby RACES was designed to operate when the President needed to silence the regular Amateur Radio Service when invoking the War Powers Act. RACES participants must hold a current amateur radio license.

The Director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management is empowered to request the use of available volunteer communications facilities and personnel. The ADEM communications officer may notify the State RACES Officer and request activation of RACES upon determination of an emergency condition or a threat to life, property and the environment.

During a statewide emergency, RACES volunteers at the State EOC may use amateur radio to communicate with other RACES members within the state, although interstate radio traffic may be handled as well. The use of repeaters will be determined by the location of the emergency and the discretion of the State RACES Officer.

CONTACT
For additional information on any of these programs, contact us for assistance.