Hudson County
RACES Unit

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Volunteering

Basic Requirements of Volunteers

To be a RACES operator you must:

  • Be a United States Citizen
  • Hold a valid Amateur Radio License of any class*
  • Register with a RACES Unit

* Technician class or higher is recommended, since Novices have limited voice privilege, but  Novices may still join and assist a Unit.

RACES Units are equal opportunity "employers" and a place can normally be found for anyone, including those with physical limitations.

Registering

In Hudson County, you may register to serve with either a municipal RACES unit or the County RACES Unit (County Staff).

  • To register with a municipal unit, contact the Radio Officer in your municipality. If there is no officer or you can not contact him or her,  contact the County Radio Officer by email.
  • Volunteers with the County Staff generally first get experience with a municipal RACES unit or an ARES unit. If you would like to apply for the County RACES Unit, contact the County Radio Officer as above, but you are encouraged to first discuss the idea with your municipal Radio Officer.

RACES members responsibilities:

From FEMA's "Guidance for RACES"

"(1) Participate in the training sessions;

(2) Brief the RACES Officer of any changes in equipment or amateur status that may affect operation in the RACES program;

(3) Develop a strong background in emergency procedures, FCC Rules and Regulations, and network procedures;

(4) Be available when emergency communications are required by the appointing Director;

(5) Help strengthen the organization by offering suggestions and positive feedback to correct deficiencies;

(6) Comply with volunteer standards established by the jurisdiction; and,

(7) Notify the RACES Officer, in writing, when terminating membership"

 

More specifically, Hudson County RACES members are encouraged to:

  • Regularly attend your Unit's scheduled meetings. Many Units meet on the last Monday of the month, the night the County RACES "Net" is held.
  • Listen to the the monthly RACES net on at 8 pm on the last Monday of the month, either at a meeting, at home, or in your car.
  • Participate in drills and exercises -- your Unit's and the County's .
  • Attend any special meetings that may be called -- your Unit's or the County's.
  • Listen to both your Unit's & the County's pre-established call-up frequencies during times of heightened risk, e.g. severe storms.
  • Make yourself available anytime there is an actual need for operators!
  • Improve your radio operating skills and techniques
  • Increase your knowledge of both amateur radio and emergency operations
  • Maintain a well-stocked and working inventory of personal radio gear  

For specific suggestions to increase your capabilities, see either the RACES library or general library. The sections on Operating Hints, Incident Command System, Ready Kits, and Training may be of particular interest to RACES operators.