The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) consists of Amateur Radio licensees who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) or any other local or national organization, is eligible to participate in ARES activities.
Training is a necessary part for participation in ARES operations. Being properly trained and practiced in the skills of emergency communications or EmComm, minimizes the loss of message content and ensures a positive outcome. We focus on and provide the skills needed to meet the demands of radio message passing duties during an event or emergency operation.
The local ARES Emergency Coordinator or "EC" can provide specifics. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed amateurs are eligible to function as a radio operator. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable but is not a requirement for participation.
Our radio operators reside in the County of Riverside region of California, officially called the San Gorgonio Pass. However, locals refer to themselves as living in the Banning Pass area. The Banning Pass encompasses the municipalities of Yucaipa, Calimesa, Beaumont, and Banning. Unincorporated communities of Riverside County (Whitewater, Cabazon, Poppet Flats, and Cherry Valley) and San Bernardino County (Oak Glen) are also integral parts of our group.
The Banning Pass ARES Group is part of the West Riverside County ARES District. An ARES District is defined as a geographical region, area of specialty, or similar organizational structure. The District EC supports the efforts of the Banning Pass ARES Group and ensures the continuity of ARES events and operations within the District.
