What is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service
ARES is an ARRL sponsored organization of licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer their time, qualifications, and equipment to provide emergency communications services to their local communities during times of emergency or disaster.
Amateur radio (also called ham radio) has a long history of providing communication assistance during natural disasters. Going back as early as 1910, amateur radio operators have been able to serve their communities when normal communications fail. ARES was formed in 1935 by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), the largest amateur radio advocacy organization in the United States.
Colorado ARES is an ARRL Affiliated organization that provides trained volunteer emergency communications support to public safety agencies and other community-oriented organizations around the State of Colorado. ARES in Colorado is organized into ten regions and 27 districts, which follow county boundaries.
ARES Membership Requirements
Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Training is required to participate fully in Colorado ARES. Your local ARES leadership can provide more information on training. 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.
If you are interested in becoming an ARES member, please click here.
ARES and the ARRL are registered trademarks of the Amateur Radio Relay League.