Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club
Amateur Radio Emergency Service - ARES

Information about the Amateur Radio Emergency Service

The following information is for Amateur Radio Operators who are interested in learning more about the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Santa Barbara South County.

Disaster Preparedness Emergency Communications Public Service Communications

General Information About ARES

Amateur Radio has always had a responsibility to perform communications in the public service. In fact, it's one of the basic purposes of the Amateur Radio Service defined by the FCC. You'll find a lot of hams enjoy using their skills and equipment to help their communities. You, too, can be part of this rewarding experience when you participate as a radio operator in public service events like parades and walk-a-thons and/or in emergency service activities such as searches and disaster relief.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is part of the Amateur Radio Relay League's (ARRL) extensive volunteer field organization dedicated to public service. ARES is comprised of amateur radio operators who volunteer to provide a resource of trained operators for reliable primary or secondary communications links for governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in the ARRL or any other organization, is eligible for membership in ARES.

Members of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club have a long history of emergency service communications. In 1938, local hams proved radio contact could be established between city fire stations. After the war, a formal Amateur Radio Emergency Corps group was formed. It continues today as the ARES.

In Santa Barbara, there are several ways you can assist your community. Public service (or event) communications is provided by members of the Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club. Emergency service communications is provided by members of the ARES. While membership in SBARC is not required for ARES participation, it does allow you maximum flexibility to serve your community in both public service and emergency communications.

How is ARES organized?

There are four levels of ARES organization: national, section, district, and local. We are in the Santa Barbara District, which contains four Santa Barbara County ARES groups: South County (Santa Barbara area), Central County (Santa Ynez area), West County (Lompoc area), and North County (Santa Maria area). Each is headed by an Emergency Coordinator.

Who does the Santa Barbara ARES assist?

ARES members assist the American Red Cross, the County Emergency Medical Services, local government agencies, and non-profit humanitarian organizations such as the Salvation Army and Direct Relief International. We also assist the US Forest Service and the National Weather Service. We also support the Los Padres Search and Rescue Team, providing supplemental communications to its field operations.

What kind of communications assistance does ARES provide?

Most of the activities are on 2 meters and "220" MHz. However, all authorized amateur frequencies and modes can be used: HF, CW, packet, etc. The Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club has 10 repeaters and digipeaters to support emergency communications. Additionally, a portable repeater, emergency generators, and a completely self-contained mobile communications van are available for ARES use. ARES can also provide trained emergency communicators for user agencies.

What is the difference between ARES and RACES?

ARES is the emergency communications and disaster preparedness arm of the ARRL. The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is the emergency communications and disaster preparedness arm of the US Government. RACES is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is under the jurisdiction of the FCC. Like ARES, RACES is made up of amateur volunteers, but its scope is more narrowly defined because it's limited to providing government-to-government communications for state and local civil defense organizations and government emergency preparedness agencies. In Santa Barbara County, ARES members are registered as disaster service workers and as such can meet any emergency communications need by having dual membership in ARES and RACES.

What do ARES members do?

As the names suggest, ARES and RACES provide a single "service" - communications. Therefore, the members are trained to be skilled emergency communicators. However, this does not necessarily mean you have to go into the field. There are jobs you can do from your home or office, like being the net control or helping make telephone calls.

What equipment do I need?

A 2-meter hand-held transceiver is a good start. However, if you don't yet have a radio, you can get started on your training and participate in some activities without one.

How much does it cost?

It does not cost anything to join ARES. However, you will find your membership a really good excuse to buy some extra "goodies" to meet your new responsibilities!

What about uniforms?

There is a yellow ARES uniform shirt that has been adopted by Santa Barbara and Ventura County ARES groups. However, you are not required to purchase one before you can start training and participate. The uniform is very helpful when members are working in the field with other agencies so they can be easily recognized as radio operators.

What training am I given?

The training given to ARES members is centered on the knowledge and skills needed to be a good emergency communicator. The training is combination of classroom, on-the-air, and hands-on experiences. Once you feel comfortable in the role of communicator, you can maintain that level or move on to more specialized training. Some of this training is done at regular ARES meetings and some is set up for different times. ARES members are encouraged to participate in SBARC event communications to practice their skills.

I'm interested! How do I sign up?

Contact the emergency coordinator at 805-967-3174, or come to one of our monthly meetings held the second Monday each months at the County Health building, 300 N. San Antonio Road (off Calle Real) starting at 7 PM. Use the side entrance closest to the freeway.

You can also check in to our net held every Monday night (except meeting nights) at 7:30 PM on the 146.79 (-) club repeater. PL 131.8.