Running local, state and national traffic nets for relay traffic and information passing. Provide base communications, shelter communication and pass emergency traffic. For more information, please read on. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service is administered through the American Radio Relay League. This group can be activated by any member of ARES and will work with local officials, the Salvation Army and Red Cross to aid in providing communications.
More information is available at the ARRL WEB site.
In most counties the county emergency management office or the state emergency management office would start the process. Part 97 rules. For more information, please follow the link. For more information see the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA Web site. Membership Membership to both organizations is open to any licensed amateur radio operator.