The Roscommon Amateur Radio Emergency Service (RARES) coordinates amateur radio public service and emergency communications for Roscommon County, Michigan. It acts as an umbrella organization of amateur radio operators working with local government and other groups to prepare for and carry out radio communications during an emergency, a large public event, or times of severe weather. To provide branding and name recognition, ARES, RACES, Skywarn, and AuxComm are the official capacities in which we work. 

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) provides emergency communications support to local or state civil-preparedness agencies during periods of local, regional or national civil emergencies. RACES operates under federal government control, and is coordinated locally by the Roscommon County Office of Emergency Management in association with the RACES Officer (RO). Roscommon County has included RACES in their comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that covers state, county, and city units along with other agencies that will be required to manage a disaster. Certification in several FEMA Independent Study courses and completion of a background check is a requirement for participation 

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) was developed by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) and provides for a system of licensed amateurs for various emergency and public service functions across the country. ARES activities are open to any amateur radio operator, and function under the rules of the ARRL and locally the Emergency Coordinator (EC). 

Skywarn is a volunteer partnership established by the National Weather Service and advanced by local emergency managers across the nation that utilizes amateur radio operators who take additional severe weather detection training to report severe weather events as they happen and in real time. Any amateur radio operator wishing to participate in a Skywarn net must complete one of the Skywarn Training classes hosted annually by the National Weather Service. Skywarn identification numbers are valid for two years, and will only be issued to those who have completed training. 

All Roscommon County amateur radio operators are encouraged to register their stations by sending an email to K8HIG.RARES@GMAIL.COM and get involved. Be sure to see the Events Tab for upcoming events