RACES Operators Provided Communications Support During Recovery Operations After A Train Derailment
Welcome to Cowlitz County ARES®/RACES
We serve as a volunteer communications auxiliary supporting the citizens of Cowlitz County, Washington, through various public and private agencies. ARES® (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) activities are conducted under the auspices of the American Radio Relay League's Western Washington Section. Our RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) functions are sponsored by the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office and are administered by the Sheriff's Department of Emergency Management.
Amateur radio operators ("hams") have long been associated with emergency communications because of our ability to communicate without external infrastructure. Ham radio operators can set up field stations when and where needed using portable equipment even if commercial power and communications systems are out of service. As a result, Cowlitz County hams enjoy strong support from County officials and are given every opportunity to participate in the County's official disaster management planning.
We invite you to browse through our website to see what we are all about. It is our hope that we will be able to provide useful information regarding emergency and auxiliary communications to those who have an interest.