What is ARES or Amateur Radio Emergency Service?
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails®. Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems. An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.
Volunteers Needed!
Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible to apply for membership in ARES. Being a volunteer is just as there are no annual dues required. Training on your behalf may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable but is not a requirement for membership.
We offer the necessary training to help prepare you to provide support in the event of an emergency—or even in a non-emergency situation. Our teams also provide radio communications for public service events in our local communities at no cost. The Big South Fork Amateur Radio Club provides support to ARES units in Fentress, Morgan and Scott counties in Tennessee.
We thank Julian W5EDQ for filling in as we interview for the position of county emergency coordinator.
Austin K5QF works closely with his county EMA director along with their dispatch supervisor who is also an amateur radio operator.
Scott County ARES
Led by Kelly KI4JAV the Scott County ARES team serves the majority of the Big South Fork Park in addition to our local hopsital and EMA staff.
Alternative 911 numbers for East Tennessee
Fentress Co.: 931-879-8142
Morgan Co.: 423-346-0911, Option 5
Scott County: 423-663-2245
McCreary Co.,KY: 606-376-9117
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Anderson Co.: 865-457-2414
Bell Co, KY: 606-337-6174
Blount Co.: 865-983-3620
Campbell Co.: 423-562-8055
Claiborne Co.: 423-626-3121
Cocke Co.: 423-623-3064
Cumberland Co.: 931-484-6176
Grainger Co.: 865-828-3177
Greene Co.: 423-638-8663
Hamblen Co.: 423-585-2701
Harlan Co., KY: 606-573-1121
Jefferson Co.: 865-475-3482
Knox Co.: 865-215-1193
Loudon Co.: 865-458-9081
McMinn Co.: 423-745-3222
Monroe Co.: 423-442-4357
Roane Co.: 865-354-8045
Sevier Co.: 865-428-5542 Ext. 113
Union Co.: 865-992-9062
Whitley Co., KY: 606-549-6017
