LCARC ARES

About our ARES service

When Y2K preparations were becoming the focus or everyone's attention, the amateur radio group in the Lewis-Clark Valley realized that there was not an emergency communications plan established. Prior to that time, all EMCOMM duties were handled by Roland Unruh of Clarkston. He was very active in MARS communications and the Civil Defense infrastructure, especially in Asotin County. Most of the newer hams heard of ARES and RACES programs, but had no real knowledge of their organization or history in our valley. Unfortunately, Roland Unruh became a silent key by this time, and there was no one to carry on the legacy of his work. Both Asotin and Nez Perce Counties had emergency managers who were concerned with making sure there was an amateur radio presence in both counties, so we were encouraged to "get organized."

Several of the more sparsely populated counties in Eastern Washington found the same situation as ours. After finding the name, call, and address of our section Emergency Coordinator in Eastern Washington, the ball began to roll. There was an ARES summit meeting held in Colfax with representatives from Asotin, Whitman. Spokane, Stevens counties in Washington, and Latah County in Idaho in attendance. Even though there are a fair number of licensed amateurs in the Lewiston-Clarkston area, not many shared our interest and concern with getting an emergency communications program established. It was about this time that it became apparent the hams from both counties in our area would need to combine efforts to make this program possible.

There was an Emergency Operations Center set up in the basement of the Nez Perce County court house, and applications were filed the sheriff’s office for the necessary background checks for those interested. There was some radio equipment available in Nez Perce County but not in Asotin County. There was not an EOC designated other than the sheriff's office on Asotin County, however, a Secondary EOC designation was assigned to the Asotin County Fire District #1 Station in the Clarkston Heights. This was mainly because of its higher elevation with regard to the two rivers in our area. The Emergency manager of Asotin County, the Asotin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fire District were all very enthusiastic about hams becoming involved in the emergency communications plan.

Most of our work and efforts have been in Asotin County, but over half of our ARES/RACES members are from Nez Perce County, so we feel that both counties are being adequately served. Currently, we have antennas and feed lines on the Asotin County Fire District # 1 Station, but no permanent radio equipment in this location. During exercises, members bring some of there own radio equipment. It is our hope that the counties will be able to find some funds in the near future to set up a permanent radio station. Were are active in participating in the WSEN ( Washington State Emergency Net), including all drills and regional meetings.

ARES Info

What is ARES?

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a service developed to enhance communication during times of disaster on the national and local levels. ARES is composed of ham radio operations that work in coordination with the local county EOC.

How do I get involved?

If you are a licensed ham in our club, please contact our ARES Coordinator. After filing paperwork and a complete background check, new ARES members are provided with a current emergency plan and call-out list.