About Us

Purpose of ARES

Amateur Radio Emergency Service, which has developed since 1935, is a part of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Organization.

Part 97 of the FCC’s RULES and REGULATION, which covers the Amateur Radio Service, states under “Basis and Purpose” in 97.1 (a) that: “Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary non-commercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.”

Amateurs have been involved with Public-service communications, emergency communications, since 1913. In the early days the involvement was unprepared and without any coordination. As stated in the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS MANUAL, published by the ARRL, “As time progressed, the need for and value of organization became evident, resulting in the establishment of organized trunk lines and net systems; later the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic System (NTS) were formed to complete the organization.”

Today, “The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment 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 for membership in the ARES. The only qualification, other than the possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership”.

The Rowan County Amateur Radio Emergency Services group is based out of Salisbury North Carolina USA with a membership of around 15 people. In conjunction with the Rowan Cares group, the Rowan Amateur Radio Society group has elected to assist us in any of our endeavors, which broadens the knowledge base considerably and brings centuries worth of expertise and experience to our group.

We greatly appreciate ALL contributions our members make to the organization for without them, we would not exist!

MISSION STATEMENT

Rowan ARES consists of licensed amateur radio operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public interest when disaster strikes and develop a coalition relationship with adjacent county amateur radio ARES for mutual benefit.

Status and Concept

Rowan County ARES team members are composed of Rowan County resident and adjacent county licensed Amateur Radio Operators interested in serving the community with their hobby. Rowan ARES has interest in forming a membership that has the ability to cross serve Rowan County and its immediate adjacent counties when such operations are beneficial. Rowan ARES, geographically in the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont, Rowan County is attractively and conveniently nestled between the state’s largest city and its Capitol and can be of mutual benefit to volunteer organizations located in these surrounding areas.

Membership

Membership in Rowan ARES can be Amateur Radio Operators residing in Rowan and surrounding counties. Rowan ARES would expect to know each member in advance of any emergency or disaster for what should be obvious reasons, to develop as smooth operations as possible in stressed situations. Members are encouraged to check into the ARES regular nets as often as possible, learn and regularly practice good radio operating technique, especially those used in emergency procedures.

For more information about joining Rowan County ARES contact the Rowan Amateur Radio Society.