Mutual Aid is such a simple and exact concept!  This site is dedicated to encourage the interoperability of radio communicators and volunteers affiliated with disaster relief organizations like Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), California Disaster Corps and the Red Cross.  With the viability of one entity being able to function with another being a concern; we at the RIverside Emergency Communications Group (ECG) offers a place to exchange ideas and foster stronger agency relationships.  Our discussion portal was designed to focus on topics related to emergency communications, radio operations, disaster preparedness, and event coordination.  Let’s all be successful in our disaster preparedness endeavors through networking.

Disaster Emergency Communications is a specialized field within the broader field of emergency communications. Emergency communications or EmComm covers all technical means and modes for public safety agencies at all levels of government (e.g. law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services) to perform their routine, daily communications. Amateur Radio operators can assist with maintaining operability and interoperable communications before, during, and after declared emergencies, disasters, or planned Special Security Events[i].

Amateur Radio operators (hams) have informal and formal groups to coordinate communication during emergencies. At the local level, hams may participate in local emergency organizations, or organize local "traffic nets" using VHF (very high frequencies) and UHF (ultra high frequencies). At the state level, hams are often involved with state emergency management operations. In addition, hams operate at the national level through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), which is coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), which is coordinated through the American Radio Relay League and its field volunteers. Many hams are also involved in SkyWarn, operating under the National Weather Service and provide emergency weather information to the NWS for analysis and dissemination to the public.

The FCC[ii] established amateur radio as a voluntary, non-commercial, radio communications service. It allows licensed operators to improve their communications and technical skills, while providing the nation with a pool of trained radio operators and technicians who can provide essential communications during emergencies.

This mutual aid site is a clearinghouse of information focusing on those who volunteer as emergency communication operators. You will find an abundance of information and resources critical for maintaining communications inoperability. Those who are active in emergency radio operations have and will contribute to this site. Also, vetted sources from the internet will add to our clearinghouse of information (Source location regarding the data will also be included; providing proper recognition for the contributor.)