What is RACES?

RACES is a government organization which is outlined in Federal law and promoted by FEMA. RACES can only be used by a local civil defense organization during a declared emergency. In the event of a war powers act all Amateur Radio could be silenced. In this event only RACES to RACES communications would be allowed.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES): ARES teams participate in severe weather observations (SKYWARN), search and rescue operations, support of major public events and just about any situation where reliable communications links are needed to replace or augment normal emergency communications systems. In some areas, RACES and ARES are combined.

Local RACES members are registered as volunteer Disaster Service Workers within San Benito County and provide necessary communications during local emergencies and disasters. The trained operators of San Benito County RACES provides reliable primary and secondary communication links for the San Benito County Office of Emergency Services, the Emergency Operations Center, and with surrounding partners as well as organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and major infrastructure within the county such as hospitals, schools, transportation, etc.


For more information about RACES or if you are interested in joining this group please visit the San Benito County Amateur Radio Association webpage.