AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS

    All amateur radio operators are encouraged to register in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®), either directly with their local Emergency Coordinator, or via the ARRL Section leadership. Help prepare for emergencies that may require your unique emergency communications volunteer service by training in advance in an organized group in ARES®, before the critical need.

    Individual amateur radio operators that participate in their local amateur radio clubs and associations can and should encourage Emergency Communications Planning Committees to help plan for local use of amateur radio in local emergencies.  Coordinate your club's emergency planning with your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator (EC). Invite the local EC to participate in your club's emergency planning, and help the EC register you and other club members in ARES®. Encourage your club to have a written local emergency communication plan in ARES®. Organize with your EC a local radio net in ARES® where all will meet on the air for any local or wide area emergency.

   Amateur radio operators who individually, or as a club, serve with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army units to provide emergency communications via amateur radio (Red Cross Chapters and Disaster Services, or Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network) are strongly encouraged to register in ARES® for the mutual benefit of all.

   Amateur radio operator volunteers that currently serve in local government organizations in support of emergency communications via amateur radio (ESDA, EMA, CD, RACES, Auxiliary Communications and Citizen Corps units) are also strongly encouraged to individually register in ARES® through your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator for the mutual benefit of all.

    Take the time now to register and prepare your amateur radio station and yourself as a volunteer in ARES®, in advance of the critical need.

 The ARES® Registration Form FSD-98 has been revised by the ARRL, so you may easily register in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) in Illinois with either form:

ARES Registration Form FSD-98 in Adobe PDF format

ARES Registration Form FSD-98 in MS Word format

Just print and complete the ARES® Registration FSD-98 and deliver to the local EC for your Illinois county.

For a list of all Illinois Emergency Coordinators:  Click Here

If you have not met, or do not know, or can not contact your local EC, then contact the District EC or the Section EC. You may always get a current address for a local EC or DEC from the Illinois ARES® email link below, or you may contact the SEC to help establish ARES® in your local area or county.

For questions on ARES®,  contact the Illinois SEC or staff at the Illinois ARES® email link.