Denville Township RACES

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is an Auxiliary Communications Service created by the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC Part 97, Section 407). RACES, in Denville Township, is a part of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) under the leadership of the Denville Township OEM (Office of Emergency Management). As a part of CERT, Denville

RACES members must be CERT certified in basic volunteer first responder protocols as well as be a licensed radio amateur. During periods RACES activation,

RACES is administered by a local, county, or state civil defense agency responsible for disaster services. Traditional RACES operations involve emergency message handling on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. These operations typically involve messages between critical locations such as hospitals, emergency services, emergency shelters, and any other locations where communication is needed. During time of war, when the President exercises his War Emergency Powers, RACES might become the only communications allowed via amateur radio. ACS/RACES groups develop and maintain their communications ability by training throughout the year with special exercises and public-service events. If you want to become a RACES member and be able to participate in RACES and other government emergency communications activities, contact Michael A. Kiener, W2MAK, Denville RACES Chief Radio Officer, [email protected], or Susan Richter, RACES Secretary, [email protected].