Linn County ia ARES
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Last updated 11/17/2025 by K0ECW
Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails. Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems. An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.
Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.
The next ARES meeting is scheduled for Thursday 12/4 at 7 pm. Jeffry, K0GMT will present MARS. We will meet at the Linn County Emergency Management Agency office at 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Linn County IA ARES is affiliated with:
Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club https://w0gq.org/
Linn County Emergency Management Agency https://linncounty-ema.org/
Linn Area Partners Active In Disaster (LAP-AID) https://www.linndisasterinfo.com/
Eastern Iowa Emergency Data Network (EIEDN) https://www.eiedn.org/