Requirements for participation in RACES
Who can participate?
By FCC regulations only certified appointees may
participate in RACES operations – including training
sessions. At the National Weather Service’s request,
only RACES appointees who have attended a SKYWARN school
within the past two years can make weather reports during
SKYWARN nets.
Any licensed amateur radio operator with two-meter
operating privileged may apply through his or her
city’s RACES Radio Officer to be certified by the
authorizing agency. Those operators living or working in
Dallas County whose cities do not have a RACES organization
may apply to Dallas RACES. Each appointee is issued an
identification badge containing the appointee’s name,
call sign, RACES unit number, and photograph. This
identification is only to be displayed during official
RACES operations including training, drills, and
activations. Use for any other purpose may be grounds for
revocation.
What is expected?
RACES appointees are expected to have a sincere interest in
providing communications as a public service to amateur
radio. Each appointee should be equipped to operate on the
designated RACES frequencies.
Because storm spotting is a major function RACES in this
area, each RACES storm spotter must attend National Weather
Service (NWS) “SKYWARN” training at least once
every two years. This training is presented throughout the
area during the early spring and at Ham-Com in June. The
major Dallas County course is offered in Garland each
February. SKYWARN storm spotter training sessions usually
last between two and four hours.
On-the-air training sessions are regularly scheduled for
Dallas County and many of the RACES organizations. A list
of these nets appears later in this document.
Training Nets
Although each RACES organization is independent, all
require some level of training and participation to
maintain appointment. Hams who wish to obtain a RACES
appointment but have situations that prevent full
participation should contact their city’s RACES Radio
Officer.
Races Application
RACES applications may be obtained by contacting your
city’s RACES Radio Officer. If you live or work in
Dallas County but your city does not have a RACES Radio
Officer, you may be eligible for appointment in Dallas
County RACES. For the Dallas City/Dallas County RACES
application form, send a self-addressed number 10 envelope
with two units of postage to:
Claude Head, K5DTN
13316 Spring Grove
Dallas, TX 75240
RACES Appointees Basic Requirements
1. Demonstrate a willingness to prepare for and participate
in emergency communication events.
2. Willing to equip one’s self with knowledge,
skills, and equipment to meet basic mission requirements.
3. Possess a valid Amateur Radio Operator’s License
for two-meter operation.
4. Own a two-meter FM transceiver appropriate for RACES
operations.
5. Live in or be able to respond to activations in Dallas
County.
6. Be approved by the City or County RACES authority.
(Check with your city’s RACES Radio Officer)
7. Completion of FEMA NIMS IS-100 and IS-700 courses.
Course material may be found at
http://www.learningservices.us/FEMA/LMS or
http://www.nimsonline.com/download_center/
Annual Renewal Requirements
These vary by city.
1. Continue to meet BASIC requirements.
2. Monitor a minimum of twelve (12) RACES training nets
within Dallas County.
3. Participate as a communicator as follows: A minimum of
three consecutive hours in at least one approved special
event (special events must be approved by your Radio
Officer), simulated emergency net or under drill or
controlled net conditions or an emergency net other than a
SKYWARN net. Or, participate in an alternate activity
approved by your RACES Radio Officer.