Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
About RACES
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is an organization of amateur radio operators who volunteer for Emergency Management for the purpose of providing tactical emergency support radio communications to federal, state, and local governments in times of emergency, and to supplement, augment or replace radio communications wherever and whenever needed.
RACES was created in 1952, by the federal government, as an official program through which amateur radio operators could serve the government in an emergency situation. Since then, the RACES program has enabled amateur radio operators to perform varied emergency communications functions as an important supplement to Emergency Management communications systems.
RACES is governed by Part 97, subpart E, of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and Regulations.
How to Get your Amateur Radio License
- Amateur radio requires a license – learn more at www.arrl.org/getting-licensed
- To obtain your license you need to:
- Study for the test by using free resources like www.hamstudy.org
- Request an FRN from the FCC at https://apps.fcc.gov/cores
- Take the test
- Testing is offered once a quarter on a Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. sharp. The sessions take place at the Hamilton County Emergency Operations Center located at 18100 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN. The ARRL VE testing fee is $15.00 (please pay in cash with exact change).
- Please contact Joe March, RACES Program Coordinator, for additional information at joe.march@hamiltoncounty.in.gov
- Upcoming testing sessions are listed below
- Saturday, January 20, 2024, starting at 10:30a
- Saturday, April 20, 2024, starting at 10:30a
- Saturday, July 27, 2024, starting at 10:30a
- Saturday, October 19, 2024, starting at 10:30a
RACES is called upon by Emergency Management when communication services are deemed necessary for response. They are activated in accordance with an approved Emergency Management communications plan in any emergency concerning:
- Safety of life
- Preservation of property
- Alleviation of human suffering and need
- Dissemination of warnings of any disaster or other incident endangering the public welfare.
Natural disasters often cripple or destroy communications facilities and equipment. RACES members are often asked to handle messages for police, fire, public welfare, public utilities, and other emergency services during emergencies.
RACES personnel receive training from Emergency Management to which they are attached. Operating skills are sharpened through participation in frequent Emergency Management sponsored exercises, tests, drills, programs, and special events.
Non-emergency messages and traffic may be transmitted during RACES training and drill periods.
RACES Membership
Individuals wanting to take part in an HCEM Volunteer program must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a PSID and a FEMA SID #
- Submit your online application.
- We will contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview, you will complete forms for a background check.
- Complete fingerprinting at the Hamilton County Sherriff's office. You will receive an email with directions after your fingerprints have been submitted.
- Complete program training requirements and submit proof of completion.
- Submit certificates of completion of FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses: IS-100 and IS-700.
HCEM Background Check Policy:
All volunteers shall undergo a background check upon initial application and every two years after the volunteer’s start date. The purpose of the background check is to provide the citizens of Hamilton County with well-qualified volunteers who can serve in a public safety capacity as an “Emergency Management Worker” under Indiana Code 10-14-3-3. Individuals with a negative record may not be considered for volunteer positions.
For questions, contact Joe March at joe.march@hamiltoncounty.in.gov
Contact Us Opens a New Window.
Joe March
RACES Coordinator
Email Opens a New Window.
Phone: 317-770-3381
Fax: 317-770-3384
Frequencies
- Primary Repeaters - located in Noblesville
- 145.17(-) MHz
- 443.550(+) MHz
- Both with a 77 Hz tone
- Digipeater 145.090 - located in Noblesville
- Digital C4FM Fusion Repeaters - located in Hortonville
- 443.950 MHz- 77 Hz tone
- 443.950 MHz- 77 Hz tone
- New! 146.865 MHz - 77 Hz tone
Follow RACES
Hamilton County RACES Opens a New Window.
Hamilton County HCARES Opens a New Window.
Training Requirements:
The following FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses are required by Hamilton County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service to be completed either prior to or within six months of commissioning as a member of Hamilton County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service.
IS-100.c Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-200.c Basic Command System for Initial Response
IS-700.b An Introduction to the National Incident Management System