

Introduction:
How Local Amateur Radio Operators are Connected to Our Served Agency
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) for Kootenai County is host to our local ARES/RACES group. This is a joint group of two volunteer ham radio organizations that form the national emergency arm of amateur radio. During a communications emergency, we meet the needs of our served agency, OEM. To maintain and develop our skills, we hold monthly meetings (visitors are welcome!), weekly nets (radio check-ins), drills, and participate in public service events. We also meet training requirements set by our peers. This ensures radio operators have the competency level needed in a communications emergency because: When all else fails, amateur radio works!
See our Calendar for a list of current activities. For additional information contact: OEM at (208) 446-1776 or kcoem@kcgov.us and ask for the EOC Coordinator.