Amateur Radio, also known as ham radio, is a valuable resource for disaster and emergency communications. No other radio service offers the variety of communications capability that ham radio does. Amateur Radio is governed by Part 97 of the FCC Rules & Regulations, which set up the amateur radio service.

The purpose of Amateur Radio is to provide a group of trained radio operators, who can be called upon during an emergency. Amateur Radio has a world wide reputation of supporting emergency communications during disasters.

There are several amateur radio "bands." Each band represents a group of radio frequencies. The different frequency bands are best suited for different types of communications. One radio band may be better suited for world wide communications and another for local communications. The low bands tend to be used for the long distance communications, whereas the higher frequency bands are usually are utilized for local communications.

The types of communications available for hams range from Morse code to voice, digital, and even slow scan and fast scan TV. The equipment used can range from a Morse code key attached to a radio, to voice systems, computers, hand held radios, video cameras, and even using satellites.  Some ham radio stations even bounce signals off of the moon. Some types of ham radio equipment can interface with the local telephone network, allowing hams to use the phone system from their radios.

Flagler County Amateur Radio
Emergency Communications (AREC)

Flagler County Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) is a volunteer organization consisting of licensed amateur radio operators. The purpose of AREC is to provide emergency back up communications when it's needed.

The Communications and Warning Section of Flagler County Emergency Services recognizes Flagler County AREC as an invaluable resource in the county. Most of the AREC members are also members of the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club and/or the Flagler Emergency Communications Association (FECA).

AREC provides auxiliary communications for the American Red Cross and Flagler County Emergency Services at many locations throughout the county. AREC can also link into communications out of the county, such as to the Florida State Emergency Operations Center. AREC Members are frequently stationed at critical facilities that require communications during an emergency situation. Different locations that the AREC could be set up might include the hospital, Division of Forestry, the Sheriff's Office, and any other locations that require emergency communications. For example, during the 2004 hurricanes, AREC stationed radio operators at both the Palm Coast City Hall and Palm Coast Fire and Rescue headquarters.

The 2 Meter band is one of the primary bands used by the Flagler County AREC.  There are several 2 meter repeaters in use by the AREC organization  These repeaters allow a much wider coverage using mobile and small hand held radios.

Members of AREC also participate in the RACES Net of Flagler County.  The RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) net is activated by Emergency Services during extreme disaster conditions. This net is directly controlled by Emergency Services and is activated with Emergency Support Function 2 - Communications (ESF-2).

Local Amateur Radio Nets.
The AREC / SKYWARN Net of Flagler County meets each Wednesday evening at 7:00 P.M.on the 145.470 MHz (-600) PL 123.0 repeater, 145.410 PL 123.0, or the 443.150 (+5.000) repeater. The back up frequencies are 147.300 MHz (+600) repeater and 146.580 MHz simplex.