ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is a volunteer organization of licensed amateur radio operators who provide emergency communications when traditional systems fail. Sponsored by the ARRL (American Radio Relay League), ARES members assist during disasters, severe weather events, and public service activities.

• Storm spotting and reporting severe weather conditions—such as tornadoes, hail, and flooding—to the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Providing emergency radio communications when traditional systems fail, supporting agencies like FEMA, Douglas County Emergency management, and other reginal and local emergency services.

• Participating in SKYWARN networks, relaying real-time weather observations via ham radio to help meteorologists issue accurate warnings.

• Training and preparedness, ensuring volunteers are ready to activate during disasters.

• Damage assessment, assisting local authorities in evaluating storm impacts.

• Emergency Communications: Provide backup radio networks for agencies like FEMA, Red Cross, and local emergency management.

• Community Support: Assist with communications for public events such as parades, walks, runs, and other gatherings.

• Helps to save tax dollars by doing all the above at the expense of the volunteer both in time and expenses for radios, travel, training and saving the above agencies several dollars for additional staff and supplies they would need.

ARES operates at local, regional, national, and worldwide levels ensuring reliable communication when needed most.