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Providing communications in times of emergencies is one of the primary responsibilities of the Amateur Radio Service.  Throught the ARRL, we have agreements with Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Red Cross, Salvation Army and others to provide communications when they need it and when we have personnel available.

The ARRL (American Radio Relay League) formed the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) to provide communications services in the event of an emergency.  This is a structured organization reporting to the ARRL Section Manager in each area.  Call the ARRL or send them an e-mail for the name of the Section Manager in your area.  If you live in North Central Florida, call me at 386-330-2583 or send me an e-mail at w2dwr@arrl.net for information.

What is an emergency?  Well, certainly a hurricane or a tornado represnts an emergency.  So would a localized flood or a bad fire.  Actually, anytime an agency assisting the public loses communications, you have an emergency.  I had already had to set up relay points for the Sheriff's Department, relaying all emergency calls because a telephone cable was cut.  This was definitely an emergency.  A hospital lost it's telephone system and a group of hams handled
internal communications for the hospital.  This was definitely an emergency.  A child is lost.  A fire department is in the field for hours fighting a building or brush fire and need support.  There is a terrorist threat or a hurricane is approaching the coast and residents are evacuated into our area.  All these things are emergencies which require communications above and beyond what is normal.  This is where hams step in.
ARES responds to all these emergencies and more.  To do so, there has to be an established organization in each county.  The hams must practice handling emergencies and work with their local emergency organizations so they become accustomed to working together.  Hams and emergency service personnel do things differently and must have a chance to adjust to each other when there is no emergency hanging over their heads.  This is the purpose of drills and they should be conducted frequently.  Plan to attend no matter how much experience you have had.
Help your community and your neighbors.  Get your ham license.  Join an ARES emergency group.  Get Involved.  Become one of the good guys!