Frequently asked questions
What does Redmond ARES do?
Redmond ARES provides communications support and other services for both planned and unplanned events.
Examples of planned events include:
- Simulated emergency drills
- Redmond Derby Days Parade
- Marymoor 4th of July Celebration
- Marymoor Park cycling events
Many ARES members also participate in the ARRL Field Day exercises held each year during the last full weekend in June. Redmond ARES 2009 Field day activities were covered in both the Redmond Reporter and Seattle Times.
Unplanned Events
Unplanned events are situations or emergencies where Redmond ARES receives a formal activation request from the City of Redmond. Examples of past unplanned events include the following:
- Nisqually Earthquake – February 2001
- Snow Emergencies – Numerous
- President’s Day Windstorm – February 1993
What Happens During an Emergency?
When Redmond ARES is activated by the manager of the City of Redmond Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), team responsibilities may include the following:
- Communicate within the city using personal or city amateur radio gear, fax machines, agency radios, cell phones, FRS radios or other communications devices.
- Communicate with the King County EOC in Renton, WA and the State of Washington Emergency Management Division at Camp Murray, WA.
- Communicate with other municipal Emergency Operations Centers.
- Support the Redmond Police and Fire Mobile Command Post.
What Training is Required?
Your success as an ARES volunteer depends on a familiarity with basic emergency communications skills, and a working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) used by King County and the City of Redmond. The following table describes the training you're expected to complete during your first year as a Redmond ARES member.
How Do I Become a Member of Redmond ARES?
There are two basic requirements for ARES membership:
- An amateur radio license
- A willingness to serve your community
Becoming a Member
Here's how to become a member:
- Attend three or four monthly meetings to find out if the Redmond ARES mission is a good fit with your interests and abilities.
- Request an application. You can use our contact form, or send mail to "info" at redmond-ares.org.
What is Expected of a Member
To maintain your status as an active member of Redmond ARES, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Attend at least one meeting per quarter.
- Check in during at least three weekly on-air nets per quarter.
- Meet the basic training requirements.
- Participate in planned deployments and emergency call-outs.
- Maintain a basic emergency activation kit (also known as a go bag or jump kit).
Ready to get started?
Email to "info" at redmond-ares.org