Fire Rescue Office of Emergency Management's ARES/RACES program serves a critical role when emergencies strike and traditional communication lines are severed
Hillsborough County's Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) meet unique communication needs before, during, and after emergencies. When the usual communication channels become unavailable, ham radio operators step in to keep important information flowing.
What is amateur radio?
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, uses the radio frequency spectrum to communicate. Operators typically use a transmitter, receiver, and antenna to send and receive signals. Repeaters can be used to extend the range of communication by receiving and retransmitting signals.
Because information is carried over radio waves, ham radio works when cell towers are down and internet services go dark. Ham radio can also be used when electricity is cut. As long as the radio equipment has a power source (such as a battery or a generator), incoming and outgoing communication can be maintained.
The Hillsborough County ARES/RACES program plays a crucial role when disasters strike and internet and cellular outages sever lines of communication.
ARES/RACES during emergencies
During the 2024 storm season, ARES/RACES assisted with relaying vital information to the community, including emergency responders, area hospitals, and staff and residents at hurricane shelters.
Important operations like transporting supplies and consolidating resources were able to continue despite the regular communications lines being down.
After power was lost during Hurricane Helene, a special needs shelter running on generators was in dire need of additional gasoline to maintain operations. Without cell or internet service, calling for assistance seemed nearly impossible. However, the ARES/RACES team was able to contact the ham operators at the shelter, ensuring that the shelter's needs were relayed and fulfilled.
ARES/RACES has also stepped in to relay messages from shelter occupants to their families, enabling confirmation that their loved ones were accounted for and safe.
Volunteers wanted
Hillsborough County ARES/RACES is operated solely by volunteers and is always looking for dedicated individuals who want to help.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and either have an amateur radio license or be willing to acquire one with help from ARES/RACES. No previous training or experience is required. Visit Hillsborough County ARES/RACES for more information.