Who We Are...

This organization started in the 1930's for the purpose of supporting local public service agencies in times of disaster.

It is comprised of licensed amateur radio operators volunteering to operate their equipment, in and around their neighborhoods / counties and state, in order to relieve public service personnel so they will be available to perform their jobs.

ARES groups are recognized and appreciated by the county they support, sister counties and the state, usually reporting to the county Emergency Manager or Sheriff of their county.

Recently, our past governor, Ted Kulongoski of Oregon, realized the value of ARES due to a storm that devastated the coast line in 2009. He donated funds to assist in the building of an infrastructure for each county EOC and portable radio "Go kit" stations.   

How You Can Be Involved...

There are many ways an ARES member can work to support the group they join:

As a basic member

As an AEC with a particular assignment -
                Logistics
                Secretary
                Training
                Treasurer

Other positions as required or developed

The only requirement to join ARES is to hold a valid amateur radio license.

Please feel free to come to our meetings and find out more!

Where: Lafayette Community Center
              133 Adams St, Lafayette Oregon 97127

When: 4th Thursday of every month

Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

What Equipment is Required...

An ARES station can consist of a simple HT, aka Handy-Talkie, (handheld radio), to a full blown 160-70cm redundant station with generator and/or battery backup.

Volunteer...

ARES groups are recognized and appreciated by the county they support, sister counties and the state, usually reporting to the county Emergency Manager or Sheriff of their county.

In many ways, ARES is more of a commitment to support a county/state in times of disaster. Training is an ongoing effort in order to be prepared when you are called upon to assist with some of the following tasks:

• Logging events
• PS vehicle communication support
• Portable operation
• OES (Official Emergency Station)
• Working in the EOC (Emergency Operating Center)
• Home emergency station
• ARES MAT
• Other areas as needed??

Have Fun Too...

There are the weekly nets to check into on HF, VHF & UHF and you can also operate as a net control person.

We have S.E.T.s (Simulated Emergency Training) where we work within our group, the county and/or the state reacting to a training disaster designed to hone our skills. We also support community events such as bike rides, walk-a-thons, road rallies, parades, etc. These everyday events enable us to improve our skills. We are very much welcomed by the groups putting these events together. In some cases the event would not be able to take place without radio support.

We have amateur radio swap meets, transmitter hunts and also garage sales to help build our funds that will then enable us to purchase equipment for the group; however we cannot be paid directly for any of our services. There is no cost to be a part of ARES other than the equipment you choose to purchase for your own personal use.

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We hope you will consider joining your local ARES group. You are welcome to sit in on a meeting or two or listen in on the nets and possibly a S.E.T. to see if you have an interest.

Your reward will be knowing you are supporting your community.