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?-
Can any licensed amateur volunteer for RACES? 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?+
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?+