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The ARES(R) Letter
[https://www.arrl.org/ares]


Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE [ mailto:k1ce@arrl.net ] - September 18, 2025

ARRL Home Page
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ARES(R) Home
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In This Issue:
ARES(R) Briefs, Links
New to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications? Read the Four Pillars of Service

ARES(R) Resources
Support ARES(R): Join ARRL

ARES(R) Briefs, Links

Important: Don t miss the October QST editorial by ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, on the topic of Future-Proofing ARES(R). It makes for truly insightful reading about the state of ARES and pushes to enhance its capabilities using additional modalities and value into the future.


On September 23, join ARRL's Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, as he describes and demonstrates how to leverage APRS [
https://learn.arrl.org/events ] to keep in contact with family and loved ones who live outside of an area where all grid communications are damaged or destroyed due to a natural or man-made disaster.


ShakeOut 2025 Amateur Radio Support for USGS. On International ShakeOut
Day, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 AM local time, millions of people worldwide will practice earthquake safety. After you Drop, Cover, and Hold On,
amateur radio operators have a unique role to play: supporting the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) by submitting Winlink DYFI ( Did You Feel It? ) reports. These reports provide valuable ground-truth data that helps USGS monitor and respond to earthquakes.


By sending your DYFI report via Winlink (cc: SHAKEOUT; ETO-DRILL), you are
not only testing our emergency communication readiness, but also contributing directly to a critical USGS data stream that informs science, emergency management, and community resilience.


In 2025, LAXNORTHEAST [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/ ] is once again showcasing the Amateur Radio Community Intensity Map (ARCIM) a powerful tool that visualizes Winlink DYFI reports (cc: SHAKEOUT) in near real-time. This demonstrates how amateur radio operators can rapidly transform individual reports into actionable, map-based situational awareness.

In parallel, the EmComm Training Organization (ETO) [ https://emcomm-training.org/ ] strengthens the exercise by providing its well-known message evaluation process for all reports submitted with cc: ETO-DRILL, ensuring both accuracy and readiness across the amateur radio community.

View the Instructions for submitting your Winlink DYFI report [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/exercises/shakeout ] . The EmComm Training Group Guide [ https://emcomm-training.org/ ] is available for background.

For more information on DYFI and earthquake science, visit the official USGS Earthquake Hazards Program [ https://earthquake.usgs.gov/ ] . Let s show the power of amateur radio in action support science, improve preparedness, and participate in ShakeOut 2025.


Pennsylvania County ARES/RACES Prepares for Nuclear Station Drill.
At this month s meeting, Montgomery County ARES/RACES (MCAR) in Pennsylvania continued preparations for the upcoming Limerick Nuclear Generating Station (LGS) drill set to occur on November 18. During the drill, MCAR will be
tasked to staff the Montgomery County EOC as well as 21 municipal EOCs
located within the LGS 10-mile radius Environmental Protection Zone.

The LGS drill will be MCAR s ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) for this
year.


Assistant Emergency Coordinator Tom Nolan, W3EX, chaired the meeting and
filled vacant LGS drill assignments. Assistant EC Rocky Pistilli, N3FKR, provided hands-on Fldigi mode review and training. Attendees also watched a presentation by Tom Pleva, KB3JCW and Robert Griffiths, NE3I, depicting LGS drill procedures, forms and municipal EOC go-kit photos from the 2023 LGS drill.


MCAR anticipates using its AA3E 2-meter repeater as its primary channel for voice and FLdigi drill text communications.

During non-traffic intervals and when allowed by net control, non-MCAR and
out of county radio amateurs may check in to provide their respective
community served, agency supported, and emergency power status, if used.

MCAR has placed nationally among the top ten ARRL SET reporting groups many times for past LGS drill SET performance.

--Robert Alan Griffiths, NE3I, ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Public Information Coordinator


Amateur Radio Serves During New England Tornadoes. Amateur radio volunteers serving in ARES(R) and the National Weather Service SKYWARN(R) program were active in communities in New England as tornado-warned storms moved across
New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Five EF1 tornadoes struck the
central Massachusetts communities of Paxton, Holden, Berlin and Stow.


A squall line of severe thunderstorms that would eventually have embedded tornadoes in central Massachusetts swept across the region.

SKYWARN nets activated on repeaters across the area.
Reports came in rapidly of downed trees and wires, as well as hail up to -+
in diameter in western Massachusetts, with radio amateurs sharing critical damage reports from this area.

In addition, reports of damage were received in all of the tornado path areas in near real time and were shared with the National Weather Service, Boston/Norton Weather Forecast office, WX1BOX [ https://wx1box.org/ ] ,
amateur radio team direct via repeaters, using various applications, email,
and the social media that the amateur radio team utilizes.



It had been a below normal 2025 severe weather season with only one large-scale severe weather event [in July] across Rhode Island and
southeastern Massachusetts, said Rob Macedo, KD1CY, ARRL Eastern
Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator and SKYWARN Coordinator. That
all changed on September 6th.


Southern New England averages 2 tornadoes per year. The 6 states of New
England average 8 tornadoes per year and there had been none in 2025 until Saturday, 9/6, when 2/3 of the average yearly total occurred. This outbreak also put southern New England above average for tornadoes in the 2025 season.

WX1BOX website [ https://wx1box.org/2025/09/10/post-severe-weather-coordination-message-3-saturday-9-6-25-severe-weather-outbreak/

] The ARRL Letter, September 11, 2025


North Florida Digital Net Returns.
The North Florida Digital Net is back on the air every Sunday at 7:00 PM Eastern time on 3.590 MHz. The net was revived by Dave Davis, WA4WES, who
will serve as NCS.

The purpose of this net is to practice digital mode operations and net procedures.

This is a great opportunity for hams who want to learn or improve their
digital skills.

The mode to be used is PSK31. All amateurs interested in digital modes are invited to check in.

Come try your hand at digital net operations in a supportive environment. --Craig Fugate, KK4INZ, Gainesville, Florida

September is National Preparedness Month [ https://www.ready.gov/september ]
, and ARRL has worked to arm members with knowledge and resources to be resilient in the face of disaster.

Amateur radio serves as a powerful tool and national resource before and When All Else Fails [ https://www.arrl.org/ares?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&_zs=SQvQm&_zl=bDVS3&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

] (R), but being prepared goes beyond radio.

Being ready to serve your community through ham radio begins with being
ready yourself, said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. Johnston spent 17 years as a county emergency manager before coming
to lead programs such as ARES(R). Having a plan and preparing yourself will improve your chances of being resilient in the face of disaster. ARES works closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has shared this checklist of 12 ways to prepare [ https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/ready_12-ways-to-prepare_postcard.pdf

] [PDF]. You can find more information and resources at
www.ready.gov/september [ https://www.ready.gov/september ] and at www.arrl.org/ares [ https://www.arrl.org/ares?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL&_zs=SQvQm&_zl=bDVS3&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

] .


The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is just ahead: October 4 5. This nationwide exercise is the chance to test your personal emergency-operating skills and the readiness of your communications equipment and accessories in
a simulated emergency-like deployment. Learn about and participate in this
year s SET [ https://www.arrl.org/simulated-emergency-test?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

] .


At its July meeting, the ARRL Board of Directors passed a motion of its Emergency Communications and Field Services Committee that reinstated the National Traffic System (NTS) Area Staff Chairs that played a critical role within the NTS, now charged with the following key responsibilities:


1. Oversight and Guidance: Overseeing the performance and operations of NTS officials within their respective areas, ensuring adherence to established protocols and promoting efficient message handling.


2. Advisory Role: Providing expert advice and guidance to Transcontinental Corps (TCC) Directors, Area Net Managers, and Region Net Managers,
facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.


3. Traffic Management: Establishing guidelines and best practices for
managing high volumes of traffic within the NTS. This includes optimizing message routing, prioritizing emergency communications, and maintaining the overall health and efficiency of the system.


4. Emergency Preparedness: Maintaining a heightened awareness of potential disasters and other emergencies, proactively preparing the NTS to respond effectively, and ensuring seamless integration with ARES operations when needed.


"HEATQUAKE" Exercise Puts Operators to the Test.
The Los Angeles Northeast District of ARES (LAXNORTHEAST [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/ ] ) organized HEATQUAKE [ https://www.laxnortheast.org/exercises/5thsatex/2025_heatquake ] on August
30, 2025, a comprehensive exercise designed to test operator readiness under complex, multi-hazard conditions. The scenario combined a prolonged heatwave with a significant earthquake, challenging participants to adapt quickly
while maintaining reliable emergency communications.


Over a four-hour period, LAXNORTHEAST operators successfully managed a wide range of tasks using multiple modes, including voice, APRS, and Winlink.

They processed 95 Winlink messages from 8 stations and provided hourly APRS service level updates.

Traffic included initial check-ins, capability surveys, medical incident reports, and resource requests, creating a realistic environment for
practicing critical communications skills.

Operators described the drill as both challenging and educational, providing valuable hands-on experience.


A unique aspect of HEATQUAKE was the transition between operational settings. Operators began at home, reporting neighborhood conditions, but the
scenario soon shifted requiring deployment to medical facilities and adapting communications for a hospital environment. This transition underscored the importance of flexibility and adaptability in real-world emergency
operations.


This exercise was an important milestone in preparing for the LA County
Annual Medical and Health Exercise (AMHE) in November, said District
Emergency Coordinator Oliver Dully, K6OLI. By compressing the tasks of a twelve-hour shift into just four hours, we were able to increase stress
levels and observe genuine operator responses.


The exercise also highlighted collaboration with local emergency managers. Joyce Tsang, Emergency Manager for Garfield Medical Center, joined on her day off to work alongside Anne Nowlin, K6ALH, and Jason Chan, KM6WJQ, further strengthening the ties between ARES and healthcare facilities.


HEATQUAKE reinforced the critical role of amateur radio in disaster response, offering participants an opportunity to sharpen their skills and strengthen partnerships that will prove essential in future large-scale emergencies.


[https://ccrane.com/arrl?utm_source=ares&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=2025_1&utm_content=ssb2]




New to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications? Read the Four Pillars of
Service


Harnessing the Power of Community Radio for Government, Disaster Recovery, Events, and Research & Development Amateur radio has long been a vital
lifeline for emergency communications.

Driven by over 740,000 FCC-licensed volunteers and fueled by a unique blend
of technical skill and public spirit, amateur radio operators have a
remarkable history of serving communities in times of need.

This article explores four broad use cases in which amateur radio volunteer emergency communications play a crucial role: government support, disaster recovery, event communications, and research and development tailored to the needs of agencies.


I. Government Support: Partnering with Public Agencies

Amateur radio s importance in supporting critical government emergency and recovery operations is well established. In 2025, key roles identified
include Auxiliary Communications (AUXC), and providing field observers to report back conditions, actions and needs to leadership. When normal means of communication are disrupted by natural disasters, technological failures, or security incidents, ham radio operators can step in to help maintain situational awareness and critical information flow.


Interoperability: One of the hallmarks of amateur radio is its flexibility. Volunteers operate across multiple bands and modes, often bridging gaps
between disparate government systems. In PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingent and Emergency) communications planning, FEMA has indicated hams can fill in
and support/deliver Contingency and Emergency communications.


Training and Exercises: Government agencies frequently collaborate with amateur radio clubs to conduct drills and simulations. These exercises, such
as simulated emergency tests (SETs) or public service communications drills, strengthen relationships and prepare both volunteers and officials for real-world crises.


Auxiliary Communications Services: Programs like ARES, the new AUXC (Auxiliary Communications) qualification, and being field observers outside
of the service branch exemplify the involvement of ham radio operators in government operations. One state has over 50 hams holding the AUXC qualification. Amateurs can also volunteer for popular government sponsored programs like CERT.


The depth of expertise found in the amateur radio community spanning
everything from antenna theory to digital protocols, IT security and service desks adds significant value to government emergency planning. By leveraging the skills and equipment of volunteers, agencies can build more resilient systems without incurring the costs of new infrastructure.


II. Disaster Recovery: Whole Community Coordination

When disaster strikes, traditional communication networks are often among the first casualties. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and even human-caused crises can render cell towers and broadband internet connections useless, leaving communities isolated. Amateur radio volunteers step forward
in these moments, bridging the communication gaps that can mean the
difference between chaos and coordinated response.


Rapid Deployment: Ham radio operators are uniquely positioned to set up portable stations using battery, solar, or generator power. Their ability to operate in or already be living in inaccessible locations ensures that relief efforts can be coordinated even in the harshest conditions.


Message Traffic: In disaster zones, the transmission of concise, accurate information is crucial. Volunteers relay messages about shelter availability, medical needs, resource requests, and evacuation routes. These communications help guide needed services and keep families connected.


Resilience and Redundancy: Unlike commercial networks that depend on fixed infrastructure, amateur radio can operate independently of centralized
systems. Volunteers use everything from handheld transceivers to satellite links, providing layers of redundancy for disaster communication.


Volunteer Coordination: Most of the staffing for disaster recovery comes
from volunteers--The American Red Cross said recently that 90% of its
disaster workers are volunteers. If you have dozens of volunteer groups
active in an area, the established partnership between hams, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) groups and emergency managers can ensure regular informal flow and improved coordination.


Disaster recovery efforts highlight the unique flexibility of amateur radio. Volunteers improvise, adapt, and overcome, often working in challenging environments where ingenuity and teamwork are paramount. Their dedication
helps restore order and hope when communities are at their most vulnerable.


III. Event Communications: Enhancing Public Safety and Coordination

Beyond emergencies, amateur radio volunteers play a vital role in supporting nonprofit public events. Large gatherings such as marathons, parades, bike
fund raisers, and youth ski races require robust communications to ensure safety and smooth operations. Ham radio fills this need with a blend of reliability, coverage, and coordination.


Logistics and Crowd Management: Organizers rely on ham radio operators to relay information about participant dropouts, lost family members, first aid needs, and logistical updates such as water and ice inventories. Volunteers
are often stationed at key locations to provide real-time situational awareness.


Route Safety Monitoring: Operators alert officials to emerging risks, coordinate medical response, and track participants needing assistance in
real time. This allows leadership to direct resources where they are needed most.


Training and Community Engagement: Event support is a valuable training ground for new radio volunteers. Working alongside experienced operators, newcomers learn best practices in net control, whole community volunteer coordination, and problem-solving under pressure.


Public Service: By participating in events, amateur radio volunteers build bridges between their hobby and the broader community. Their presence fosters goodwill and demonstrates the value of radio communications, often inspiring others to get involved. By supporting their communities, amateur radio volunteers build relationships and skills that may be needed in emergencies
and contribute to community well-being.


IV. Research and Development: Driving Innovation for Agency Needs

The spirit of experimentation is woven into the fabric of amateur radio. Volunteers are not just radio operators they are makers, inventors,
engineers, and problem-solvers. Their contributions to research and development, especially in collaboration with agencies, help shape the future of emergency communications.


Technical Advancements: Amateur radio operators have been at the forefront
of numerous technical innovations, starting with radio communications itself, satellite communications and even the development of the Internet. Volunteers experiment with antennas, propagation models, and software, pushing the boundaries of what radio can accomplish.


Custom Solutions for Agencies: When agencies face unique challenges such as remote sensor monitoring, cross-band interoperability, or on-scene video amateur radio operators can devise and test solutions. A significant number
of hams are retired from technical, engineering, radio or IT fields and can bring a level of experience and mentoring to the table.


Training and STEM Education: Through workshops, seminars, and ongoing research projects, volunteers help agencies stay abreast of the latest technologies. Amateur radio s culture of mentorship ensures that innovation remains a cornerstone of emergency communications.


Software: As an example, trivnet [ https://github.com/techieb0y/trivnet ]
was developed for hams to track injured runners in a volunteer medical
response system for a major marathon and provides dashboards to leadership.
It runs locally, in the cloud or in containers.


The involvement of ham radio operators in basic research (such as Phil Karn, KA9Q, and Nobel Prize winner Dr. Joe Taylor, K1JT) is a testament to the community s adaptability and technological prowess.


Conclusion: The Enduring Value of Amateur Radio Volunteers

Amateur radio volunteer emergency communications represent a unique and invaluable resource. The four pillars outlined here government support, disaster recovery, event communications, and research & development
demonstrate the breadth and depth of contributions made by dedicated
operators around the world. Their work not only enhances public safety and resilience but also fosters innovation and community engagement.


For agencies seeking to bolster their emergency communications, partnering
with local amateur radio organizations is a proven strategy.

Volunteers offer decades of experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and a culture of service that transcends individual emergencies.

Whether responding to a hurricane, supporting a marathon, or advancing the science of radio, amateur radio operators are there ready to connect, communicate, and contribute.

Ultimately, the legacy of amateur radio volunteers is one of commitment, creativity, and collaboration.

-- Erik Westgard, NY9D [ mailto:ny9d@arrl.net ] ARRL Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator for Events, Minnesota Section ARES.

(9/4/25)

ARES(R) Amateur Radio and Public Service
[https://tinyurl.com/2p8d5br2]


Buy 90 Years of ARES stickers!

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ARES(R) Resources

ARES Field Resources Manual [PDF] [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/ARES_FR_Manual.pdf?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

]

ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Fillable PDF] [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES Taskbook July 2024.pdf ]

ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book [Word] [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES Taskbook July 2024.doc ]

ARES Plan [ https://arrl.informz.net/arrl/data/images/ARES Letter/ARES
PLAN 24(2).pdf ]

ARES Group Registration [ https://www.arrl.org/register-an-ares-group?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

]

Emergency Communications Training [ http://www.arrl.org/emergency-communications-training?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

]


The Amateur Radio Emergency Service(R) (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs
who

have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with their
local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.

Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local
or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES.

Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES.
Please inquire at the local level for specific information.
Because ARES is an amateur radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership.

The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.


How to Get Involved in ARES: Fill out the ARES Registration form [ http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Public Service/fsd98.pdf ] and submit it to
your local Emergency Coordinator.


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Support ARES(R): Join ARRL

ARES(R) is a program of ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio(R) [ https://www.arrl.org/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL ]
. No other organization works harder than ARRL to promote and protect amateur radio! ARRL members enjoy many benefits and services including digital magazines, e-newsletters, online learning (learn.arrl.org [ https://learn.arrl.org/ ] ), and technical support.

Membership also supports programs for radio clubs, on-air contests, Logbook
of The World(R), ARRL Field Day, and the all-volunteer ARRL Field
Organization.



Join ARRL or renew today! www.arrl.org/join [ http://www.arrl.org/join?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=ARRL

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Copyright -(c) 2025 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated. Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution. All other purposes require written permission.


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