AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (A.R.E.S.)

    The City of Barrie ARES group is attempting to update its "call-out list".  This list is comprised of Amateur Radio Operators in the Simcoe area who are willing to help out in an emergency by volunteering their time and equipment when called upon. It is certainly understood that we cannot always be on standby and many situations such as health, jobs and family responsibilities may be our first priority at that particular time. That is why we require an "adequate" number of Amateurs on our call-out list.

    With an "adequate" number of hams willing to have their names added to the ARES list, if an emergency call-out is instituted, we would have enough back-up personnel to man the emergency locations required. On the average, ten or twelve Amateurs that could respond out of the total list would usually be sufficient.

    Emergencies do not pick favourable times of day or climate to happen, usually the opposite, so if Amateur Radio is to retain it's fine tradition of crisis communications support we have to be ready to step in when called upon.

    The City of Barrie has recognized our ability to provide these services and has placed us at the top of their list for back-up emergency radio communications. Amateur radios have now been placed in Police Headquarters, RVH, the Red Cross and other locations. ARES needs help in manning these locations.

    We are well aware that other communications systems are increasingly trying to encroach on our exclusive amateur frequencies. The privileges we as Hams have, have been dearly won over many decades by dedicated Amateurs who pioneered many forms of radio communication. We must continue our fine tradition of service to the community and by doing so retain our place on the "honor role" of volunteers when our unique communication skills are called upon.