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.

Amateur Radio can be an exciting and interesting hobby. If you or anyone you know might be interested in Amateur Radio or are interested in upgrading your license, the Flagler Palm Coast Amateur Radio Club (FPCARC) has links from their website to relevant information.

They can be contacted by e-mail at: rfriess@bellsouth.net.
Click here to go to the website of the Amateur Radio of the club.

Flagler County Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES)

Flagler County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a volunteer organization consisting of licensed amateur radio operators. The purpose of ARES is to provide emergency back up communications when it's needed. ARES is an organization created by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). ARES is organized at the section, district and local levels.

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

ARES provides auxiliary communications for the American Red Cross and Flagler County Emergency Services at many locations throughout the county. ARES can also link into communications out of the county, such as to the Florida State Emergency Operations Center. Shelter communications is one of the prime missions of the Flagler County ARES. Members also can be stationed at critical facilities that require communications during an emergency situation. Different locations that the ARES 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, ARES stationed radio operators at both the Palm Coast City Hall and Palm Coast Fire and Rescue headquarters.

At each shelter site there is a 2 Meter VHF antenna that will allow a ham radio operator to plug in his or her radio to communicate. Critical information, such as shelter populations, needs, etc. are relayed to the Flagler County EOC, and to the Red Cross.  The 2 Meter band is one of the primary bands used by the Flagler County ARES.  There are several 2 meter repeaters in use by the ARES organization  These repeaters allow a much wider coverage using mobile and small hand held radios.

Members of ARES 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).

Click here for more information about:
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).

Local Amateur Radio Nets.
The ARES / RACES 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.