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ARES Overview

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.

Powhatan ARES

Powhatan ARES operates within District 1 of the Virginia Section of ARES, utilizing the N4POW repeaters. This group participates in training sessions, exercises, and activations as requested by government officials.

Leadership

  • Emergency Coordinator: Carl Cash, KF4UBE

  • Assistant Emergency Coordinator & ARES Net Manager: Ray Sommer, W2AUS 

Eligibility and Membership:

To be eligible for membership, individuals must possess an FCC Amateur Radio License (any class). Our membership is open to both newcomers and experienced operators committed to honing their skills and contributing to emergency preparedness efforts in Powhatan County. When you join Powhatan ARES, you'll gain access to training courses, opportunities to participate in drills and exercises, networking with like-minded individuals, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution during emergencies. While having emergency-powered equipment is encouraged, it is not mandatory for membership.

How to Join Powhatan ARES: 

To become a member, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the ARES Membership Form and retrieve a copy of your Amateur Radio License .

  2. Attend a Powhatan ARES Team Training Meeting in person and submit both documents to the Powhatan ARES Emergency Coordinator, or email them to: PowhatanARES@proton.me

ARES Meetings:

Meetings occur on the second Saturday of odd months from 9-11:00 AM, with locations varying based on the month's training agenda. See the PARC calendar for days and times. 

Weekly Net:

  • Every Monday at 7:00 PM on the 147.315 MHz + (74.4 PL) repeater.

  • The net serves for training and announcements, emphasizing emergency communication. All licensed amateurs within range are encouraged to participate, regardless of affiliation.

Resources
ARES Resources:

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Emergency Management Training & Operations

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Weather Monitoring

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Mapping and Location Tools

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Community and Social Media
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