Red River Radio Amateurs

Amateur radio has long been a vital partner with served agencies in providing communications support, passing traffic, and performing other tasks, both in times of crisis and in times of community service. Through community events, hams help out before and When All Else Fails®.

The best way to become a part of serving the greater good in your area is by joining your local ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) group. “Every disaster starts and ends at the local level, and so should community resilience through radio,” said ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV. “Local ARES groups are set up based on the needs of the local community and local volunteers are gritical to making sure they are able to serve when needed.”

Radio amateurs are valuable resources to their communities in times of crisis. This week, hams in Connecticut were featured in news coverage as they participated in a mass casualty drill with St. Vincent Medical Center in Bridgeport. Several scenarios played out in which amateur radio volunteers helped the hospital connect with other medical facilities, including a targeted cyberattack, mass shooting, and explosions.

As the tornadoes that struck Massachusetts on September 6, 2025, demonstrate, you need to be ready for an emergency ahead of time. Radio amateurs were able to serve their communities and the National Weather Service because they were prepared.

National Preparedness Month—also known as September Safety Month or Disaster Preparedness Month—is an annual campaign held in September. It is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, businesses, and communities with the knowledge and resources they need to respond to and recover from emergencies.

September is National Preparedness Month, and ARRL is working to help radio amateurs have a plan for family resilience. Many hams enjoy public service as part of their operating. Being ready to activate for a served agency through the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) involves not only being licensed and trained, but also prepared and equipped.