Sunday, September 8, 2019

ARES Kickoff meeting to take place on Sept 16th

Earlier this year I (Doug Hunter) was appointed as the Wayne County Emergency Coordinator by the American Radio Relay League. On September 16th at 6:30pm, I will be hosting an informational meeting for those who are interested in becoming involved in ARES.

As you may know, the ARES acronym stands for Amateur Radio Emergency services. Members of ARES are licensed ham radio operators who donate their time, equipment and radio skills in the event of an emergency. Many of the current members are older and I am looking to provide a “jump start” to the group.
While true emergences are few and far between, these folks often help with other local events that can benefit from radio communications. Recent local events include the Wooster Heart and Sole race, Casey’s Challenge wheelchair race, and the Wooster Woo-du race. In a few weeks I will be providing radio assistance at the Akron Marathon.

ARES members are the ones you see providing radio assistance in hurricanes and other disasters and are also part of the Wayne County EMA emergency plan.

To become involved, you will need to obtain an amateur radio license. This involves taking a 35 question test that is given locally. The pool of questions is 435 so you do not know the exact 35 questions that you will see on the test. It does take some study, but there are many kids under the age of 10 who have passed the test and obtained the license so not let the test cause you concern. You can be up and running for less than $100.00
I want to stress that ARES is a group of volunteers. There is no money to be made. These are just people who are willing to help when they are asked to. The do not self-deploy.
If you are interested in attending the meeting on the 16th please let me know.

his meeting will be held at the American Red Cross building located at 244 W South St, Wooster, OH 44691

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