Emergency service is one of the basics of the Amateur Radio Service and there is sometimes come some confusion about ARES, the ARRL arm of emergency services and RACES, the government arm of amateur emergency services. This FAQ will outline FCC concerns of these two.

• During an emergency, when is ARES activated? How about RACES?-

  ARES is activated before, during and after an emergency. Generally, ARES handles all emergency messages, including those between government emergency management officials. RACES, on the other hand, almost never starts before an emergency and is active only during the emergency and during the immediate aftermath if government emergency management offices need communications support. RACES is normally shut down shortly after the emergency has cleared.

• I don’t see ARES mentioned in Part 97? What’s the story?+

• Can any licensed amateur volunteer for RACES? How about ARES?+

• I’ve heard that the FCC has in the past issued RACES licenses that can be used only for RACES activities. What’s the status of RACES licenses?+

• If I am enrolled in a local civil defense organization and if it declares a RACES drill, what call sign do I use since the FCC isn’t issuing RACES licenses? How about ARES?+

• Which stations may a RACES station communicate with? How about ARES stations?+

• What type of communications may be transmitted by stations operating under RACES?+

• How long may RACES drills and tests be held? What about ARES?+

• Why are there limits on RACES drills?+

• Our weekly RACES net is in operation for more than an hour per week. How can we be in compliance with §97.407(e) and still practice our emergency preparedness skills?+

• How can I register for RACES? How about ARES?