What is ARES?
Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails®. Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems. An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others. arrl.org/ares
Required training
SKYWARN – Storm spotter classes are conducted by the National Weather Service and are required biennially.
An online course is also available if you missed the local class.
FEMA Courses
IS-100.c Introduction to the ICS
IS-200.c Basic ICS for Initial Response
IS-700.b An Introduction to the National Incident Management System(NIMS)
IS-800.d National Response Framework, An Introduction
West Gulf Division – ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book
Follow-on training (optional)
ARRL – Introduction to Emergency Communication
Advanced training (optional)
ARRL –Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs
Red Cross – First Aid/CPR/AED classes and Emergency Preparedness information.
Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Administration (DHS CISA) Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOMM) is offered throughout the State of Texas at various times each year, to register please visit: https://preparingtexas.org/ and search for AUXCOMM. A FEMA Student ID is required and the uploading of pre-requisites certificates to enroll for the course.
State of Texas “T-RES110: Radio Statewide Interoperability” available online with a free Preparing Texas account. https://preparingtexas.org/
These courses are especially important when the Denton County ARES is called upon by the various supported organizations in our area in the event of a drill, disaster simulation or actual disaster.
Denton County ARES also conducts monthly training nets on the 146.92 repeater. These are normally scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at 19:30.
Register your training certifications
Forward your completion certificates to Gerald to have them entered into the HCOL system.
Digital Modes Training
See KC5GOI website for info on NBEMS training for Denton.
ARES Leadership and Liaison Officers
| ARES Leadership | ||
| Position | Name | Callsign |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Coordinator | Michael Porter | KF5LDJ |
| Assistant Emergency Coordinator | Mike Nelson | K5YX |
| Public Information Officer | Victoria Garner | KI5FVL |
| Denton County Liaison | Jerry Garrett | K5JLG |
| City of Denton Liaison | Gerald Marchant | WB5NZV |
| City of The Colony Liaison | Perry Schrag | N0PAS |
| City of Frisco Liaison | Scott Croft | N5FKU |
| City of Justin Liaison | Henry Tucker | KD5JOY |
| City of Lewisville Liaison | Len Shipp | KC5MPX |
| Town of Little Elm Liaison | Paul Estes | K5VOP |
How to Join
It’s quite easy to get started with Denton County ARES.
- Fill out the ARES Registration Application. *†
- Submit your completed application by doing one of the following:
- scan and email it to Denton-ARES
- mail it to:
Denton County Amateur Radio Association
P.O. BOX 50433
Denton, Texas 76206-0433 - bring it to the monthly DCARA meeting.
- Click on the Training link to the left and begin the Required training section.
*The Criminal History Authorization for Volunteers section of the form is optional, but makes volunteers available to work at Red Cross Shelters and with CERT teams.
†Once the application is approved, a passport style (head shot) photograph of you will be required. You may submit it with your application or show up at a DCARA meeting and Gerald will take one for you.