What is RACES?
The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service is an
organization of licensed amateur radio operators who
volunteer their time and equipment to provide supplemental
communication to local, county and state governments in
times of emergency or natural disaster. RACES Nets are
authorized by the Federal Communications Commission per
Part 97, Subpart E and the local Emergency Management
offices. A major function performed by RACES in the
Dallas/Fort Worth area is providing information to the
National Weather Service during periods of threatening or
severe weather.
County wide RACES nets are authorized by the Dallas County
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and
the Federal Communications Commission per Part 97, Subpart
E. Dallas county, the City of Dallas and the many cities in
the county have their own RACES organizations. Each
organization is independent of the others. However, all
belong to the Dallas County RACES Council, cooperate in
their basic requirements and provide mutual aide and
support.