ABOUT WAUPACA COUNTY ARES/RACES
We are a diverse dual entity group of volunteer amateur radio operators providing emergency communication assistance to government and local served agencies.
ARES
The ARRL-sponsored arm of emergency services that can be activated by any member. ARES handles emergency messages, including those between government officials. The only time Waupaca County ARES will self activate is when the National Weather Service issue a severe weather warning for Waupaca County and surrounding areas
RACES
The government-sponsored arm of emergency services that must be activated by a local civil defense official. RACES is active during emergencies and the immediate aftermath
​Communications
ARES and RACES help with communications between government departments and organizations. Besides our mobile unit we have communications set up in the emergency coordinators office at the Waupaca County Court House, Theda Care Hospital, and the King Veterans home.
Weather spotting
ARES helps the National Weather Service with weather spotting and staffing their amateur radio station during storms. When the National Weather Services Issue a severe storm warning, we activate a net to report information to NWS Green Bay.
Public warnings
ARES and RACES help identify and communicate severe weather threats to the public. With our active weather nets we can report weather to the Waupaca County Emergency Manager and NWS
Green Bay so public warnings can be activated quickly.
Membership
Anyone with an FCC-amateur radio license can join ARES. If you are already a licensed operator there is a link to become a member of Waupaca County ARES/RACES on the about tab.
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To become a licensed amateur radio operator you can reach out to any of our members, or look under the resource's tab for information. If you are ready to take the test for your amateur radio license you can find our test dates under the events tab/upcoming events'
Training
Waupaca County ARES/RACES has meetings the second Thursday of every month that include training. We also have a weekly on air training net at 8PM Sunday. ARES/RACES members receive specialized training in volunteer management, storm spotting, recruitment, and planning. and much more.
