IMPORTANT TRAINING INFORMATION
COMPLETION OF CERTAIN FEMA NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS) COURSES IS REQUIRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. ALL ARES VOLUNTEERS MUST COMPLETE THIS TRAINING.
Those who did not complete training deadline should continue the courses and send copies to the EC in your County just as soon as you have completed all four on-line courses. Until you do, you will not be able to work in the EOC or with any served agency. Please continue to take and complete these classes. They are IMPORTANT!!!
ALL RADIO AMATEURS OPERATING UNDER ARES/RACES IN THE NC SECTION ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE IS 100, IS 200 AND IS 700. THOSE AMATEUR OPERATORS THAT MAY BE DEPLOYED TO EOC’s, COMMAND POSTS, OR OTHER POINTS WHERE INTERFACE WITH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT ANY LEVEL IS EXPECTED, ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO COMPLETE IS IS-800.B NRF. NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A SUBJECT FOR NEGOTIATION, CONSIDERATION, OR COMMENTARY. THIS TRAINING IS MANDATORY FOR ALL ARES VOLUNTEERS.
Use this link to see courses available click here: FEMA INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) ON-LINE COURSES
To register for courses: CLICK HERE
What We Do
RCARS builds, erects and maintains communications systems which are used primarily for emergency communication. It trains operators in the use of these systems and keeps them at a high level of readiness. Presently included among these systems is a volunteer network of amateur radio operators with their own equipment, a moderate range repeater which enables operators to talk throughout the county and a trailer-mounted repeater which can be carried to the scene of an emergency to establish local communications.
When need arises, these systems are put at the disposal of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), which in turn operates in conjunction with the county Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, Southeastern Regional Medical Center, as well as the various fire and police services of the county. ARES has no financial structure and owns no radio equipment. It is the role of RCARS to provide financial and material backing for ARES, so that when disaster strikes, the county’s emergency communications can still get through.
How Can You Help?
Every member of RCARS has contributed financially toward the furtherance of the corporation’s goals. However, the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the sophisticated equipment of these systems limits our ability to accomplish all that we need to achieve.
Amateur radio operators are disallowed by federal law from receiving payment of any kind for their services. What these men and women do to get messages through in the aftermath of a disaster is done freely out of a desire to serve. These operators are the means of communications of last resort. If all else fails, the amateur radio operator gets the job done, but since they cannot receive pay for their services, RCARS steps in as an enabler. However, RCARS cannot work to keep the communications open without your help.
In addition to being vulnerable to destructive hurricanes, Robeson County has had more tornadoes than any other county in the state. We must have the very best emergency communication systems we can devise.
We cannot prevent disasters from overloading or destroying our usual means of communication. We cannot stop the weather or toxic spills or airplane crashes.
The Robeson County Amateur Radio Society, Inc. is already making plans for even more communication capability:
- A wide range radio repeater capable of covering several counties and linking with other states. What a blessing this would have been during the 1984 tornado!
- Station equipment, so that Robeson County can call on outside assistance and information through a state-wide network during times of large scale crises.
- The installation of antennas at all primary designated shelters in the county. Four are already in place, but we still need more to enable communication with emergency services.
Your Contribution Can Make It Happen!
Contributions should be made payable to:
Robeson County Amateur Radio Society, Inc.
% Bill Chism, Treasurer
1021 Riverside Blvd.
Lumberton, NC 28358
For your records, our Internal Revenue Service Employer Identification Number (EIN) is: 56-1836151