Emergency Communications

The Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club is actively involved in supporting Emergency Communications Efforts. Amateur Radio has a long history of providing assistance during times of crisis. The unique skills and equipment possessed by hams can easily supplement or replace the emergency communications channels of public safety organizations during, or after catastrophes such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, wild fires and even terrorist attacks. SARC’s emergency communication efforts work in concert with the ARRL ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Services) and RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) functions. SARC members are encouraged to continue this tradition with dual memberships and to participate in preparedness and response training.

The Village of Schaumburg and Village of Hoffman Estates have included SARC in their Emergency Operations Plans. Schaumburg’s Emergency Management Agency maintains an automated calling system for the Volunteers of Schaumburg who provide auxiliary communications when requested. Hoffman Estates Emergency Management Agency hosts an Em Comm Roundtable at the Hoffman Estates Police Department on the third Saturday of the month from 9am to 11am. This is an open meeting for all amateur radio operators and groups that are interested in public service and emergency communications activities.

SARC members train to enhance the club’s abilities in providing emergency voice and data auxiliary communications. Training activities include: simulated emergency tests (drills); classroom training such as severe weather spotting, CPR training, emergency communications skills and FEMA independent study courses. Members are encouraged to take FEMA courses ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, ICS-800, and ARRL EC-001 on line training.

Emcom members are also encouraged to become trained weather spotters and report weather observations to a local weather net. For additional information on becoming a weather spotter, see the NOAA information page on it.

For more information, questions, contact the Emergency Communications Chairman.