Public safety communications systems are often overloaded during emergencies and the additional communications provided by trained Amateur Radio operators is much appreciated. Being a licensed operator with an radio is helpful, but often not enough. It is important the volunteers on the radio be proficient operators. Learning proper procedure should take place before, not during an emergency. There are several steps that you can take to strengthen Amateur Radio's emergency preparedness.
Participation is simple.
Just be sure to transmit only when invited to do so by the net control station. If you can't hit the repeater during a practice net you'll be able to cure the problem before an emergency occurs. The ARES net will also pass third party traffic on occasion. Passing traffic is good practice for handling messages in a real emergency. If you use the packet radio to check into the ARES net be sure to reconnect the packet cables after you are done.