ARES / RACES  

Emergency Communication Services Provided by Amateur Radio Operators

ARES -- Amateur Radio Emergency Service

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service is composed of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communication duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, whether or not a member of ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership. The only qualification is a sincere desire to serve.

• ARES Membership Application

RACES -- Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

Founded in 1952 the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service is fed and cared for by FEMA. RACES works principally at the local level through local and state civil defense agencies organized by state government to provide emergency communications in the event the FCC authorizes its use.

• Guidance for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

Contra Costa County ARES/RACES Nets - Thursdays, 7:00pm

Central County 145.680 Simplex

East County 146.535 Simplex

South County 146.355/+ (100 PL)

West County 145.110/- (82.5 PL)

Dual membership is encouraged. For more Information:

• Contra Costa County ARES/RACES
• Hayward ARES/RACES
• Northern Alameda County ARES/RACES
• Oakland ARES/RACES
• Santa Clara County ARES/RACES
• San Francisco ARES
• South County (San Mateo) ARES
• Other Areas in the Pacific Division
• Other Areas of the Country

Emergency Information

• Contra Costa County Health Services Alerts
• Contra Costa County OES
• Contra Costa County Police/Fire/EMS Frequencies
• California OES Bulletins (EDIS)
• California OES Auxiliary Communications Services
• USGS Earthquake Information
• Real-time List of Local Earthquakes
• Nexrad Radar Map - Bay Area
• Hurricane Watch Net
• Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN)
• San Ramon Fire District