RACES

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)

RACES Members are amateur radio (ham) operators with Technician, General or Extra privileges, who may be activated in emergency situations to provide radio communications.  They are governed by the Part 97 of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). When cell phones, land line phones, the internet and other systems are down or overloaded, Amateur Radio still gets the message through. Radio amateurs, often called “hams,” enjoy radio technology as a hobby.  It's also a service –a vital service that has saved lives when regular communication systems failed.

NEMCo HAM RADIO Meetings

DATES: Third Tuesdays of each month from 7-8:30 pm.

PARTICIPANTS:  Note that these meetings are open to all amateur radio users or even those contemplating getting their ham license! 

TOPICS:  The meetings typically consist of an introductory portion, a mini-training on essential fundamental radio skills and techniques, and an opportunity to get help with any of your radio questions. Some topics of ongoing general ham applicability: member participation goals, use of prowords and introductory words for tactical voice/message traffic, technology discussions, e.g., HamWAN and Winlink, antennas, public service opportunities as operators, EOC operations, and others.

ADDITIONAL HAM RADIO OPPORTUNITIES 

to train, develop, and refine skills 

1.  EOC Radio Checks

DATES: Third Fridays, starting at 1:30pm.

LOCATIONS:  At each of our EOCs-Fire Station 51, Lake Forest Park City Hall, and Kenmore City Hall. 

PARTICIPANTS:  Advance notice is required so we can organize staffing.  If you would like to participate in the monthly EOC radio checks, please contact our current Radio Officer. Current NEMCo IDs must be shown.  Ham license required.

TOPICS:  Practice on testing radio communications among our EOCs.

2.  Sunday Night Net

DATES: Every Sunday evening, starting at 7pm.

LOCATIONS:  Wherever you can call in on your radio.

REPEATER:  443.725MHz, + 5.0 Offset, Tone: 156.7.  NARROW BAND (as of 4/2025)

PARTICIPANTS:  All area hams are welcome to join the Net. In the event of an emergency, the resource net frequency will be used to determine volunteer  availability and make assignments.
TOPICS:  Excellent opportunity to test your radio, antenna, and other accessories.

3.  Winlink Checks 

DATES:  Anytime!  To test your Winlink communications, please send K7RCH a Winlink Express message via Telnet once a week.

LOCATIONS:  From your home, your car, anywhere you have your laptop or computer!

PARTICIPANTS:  All area hams are welcome to test their Winlink connections.

TOPICS:  Excellent opportunity to test your radio, antenna, and other accessories to communicate via Winlink.

4.  Fifth Saturday Drills

DATES:  RACES conducts their Fifth Saturday Drills in the Spring and Fall in conjunction with the State’s drills.

LOCATIONS:  Operators can participate from their home; the EOCs will be operational; and we may also participate with the Field Operations group for a joint exercises in the Summer and Fall.

PARTICIPANTS:  RACES members

TOPICS:  RACES will conduct their exercise consistent with the Washington Emergency Management Division (EMD) preparedness drills. Usually the amateur community is invited along with the Military, FEMA, and many other agencies and districts across Washington State. NEMCo RACES exercises internal and field communication operations as well as inter-operate with other regional ARES, RACES, and ACS groups, and the WA EMD at Camp Murray.