Ham radio in emergencies: RAYNET, ARES and how to volunteer

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"When all else fails" is a phrase amateur radio operators like, and there is truth in it. When mobile networks, landlines or power fail, a radio with its own power source and a trained operator can still pass messages. In the UK and US, organised volunteer groups bring that ability to emergency services, councils and charities. This guide explains how those groups work and how to get involved.

What amateurs contribute in an emergency

Backup communications when normal networks are down or overloaded.
Message passing between sites such as shelters, rest centres and control rooms, using standard formats that reduce errors.
Practised operators who can set up a working station quickly, often on battery or generator power.
Support at public events: marathons, cycle races and festivals, where radio links help organisers. These events also give volunteers regular practice.

Amateurs supplement official services; they do not replace them, and they work at the request of the agencies they serve.

RAYNET in the UK

RAYNET (the Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network) is the UK's national voluntary emergency communications organisation of licensed amateurs. It traces its origins to 1953, when radio amateurs helped after the East Coast floods had cut telephone lines.

Volunteers are organised in local RAYNET groups, which work with councils, emergency services and voluntary organisations in their area.
RAYNET-UK is the national body, a registered charity affiliated to the RSGB. It supports groups with things like insurance and identification and liaises at national level.
Groups provide communications for emergencies and exercises, and support public events, which keep skills sharp.
According to RAYNET-UK, membership is open to people aged 14 and over with an interest in its aims, though some local groups set their own policies. Transmitting on amateur frequencies still requires a licence.

ARES in the US

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), run by the ARRL, organises licensed amateurs who volunteer their time and equipment for public service and emergency communications.

Membership is open to any licensed amateur, whether or not they belong to the ARRL, according to the ARRL.
ARES is organised locally, usually by county or similar area, under an Emergency Coordinator who works with local agencies.
To join, you complete the ARES registration form and send it to your local Emergency Coordinator. Training expectations vary by area, so ask your local group what it requires.
Emergency power capability is useful but is not required to join.

Other volunteer services exist in both countries, sometimes working with specific agencies, so ask locally what is active near you.

How to get involved

Get licensed. Even an entry-level licence lets you contribute on local VHF and UHF networks.
Contact your local group through the RAYNET-UK or ARRL websites, or through a local club.
Join nets and exercises. Regular on-air nets teach you formal message handling and net discipline.
Volunteer at public events. They are friendly, low-pressure ways to practise.
Take any training your group offers, including any emergency management courses it recommends.

Building a sensible go-kit

Your group will advise you, but typical items include:

A reliable radio and a better-than-stock antenna.
Batteries or a way to run from an independent power source, plus chargers.
Notebook, pens and printed frequency lists, since phones and laptops may be unavailable.
Clothing, water, food and anything you personally need for a long shift.
Your ID and any group identification.

Safety and your own household first

Make sure your own family is safe before you deploy anywhere.
Never self-deploy into a disaster area; go only when your group and the agency it supports ask for you.
Stay within your training and the instructions you are given.
In any emergency, the first call is still to the emergency services by phone if that works.

Have you volunteered with RAYNET, ARES or a similar group? Share what it was like, or ask how to find your local team, in the comments.