Information About Harford County Amateur Radio EmComm
The Harford County, Maryland Emergency Communications (EmComm) group is comprised of volunteer licensed amateur (ham) radio operators who have expresssed an interest in providing communications service primarily to public safety organizations. As training towards the real thing, we support charitable organizations in activities such as walkathons, races and similar.
EmComm is a catch-all term. Licensed hams will be a member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) sponsored by the ARRL, or the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services, aka RACES. RACES is an arm of Civil Defense.
One of the primary missions of ham radio is public service providing communications support in disasters. Hams have been responsible for saving countless thousands of lives in times of disaster when traditional means of communications may be overloaded or nonfunctional.
While our group primarily is tasked with service to Harford County, Maryland citizens, we coordinate with other Maryland counties, the state and ultimately federal organizations.
Training is provided, any licensed or prospective ham is invited, no special experience or equipment is needed.
Members must be approved and will be required to apply and be accepted into membership by ARES and/or RACES.
The ARES EC (Emergency Coordinator) and RACES Officer for Harford County is Pat Scolla, WB0EGR.
Regular weekly nets and periodic drills will ensure our emergency communications skills continue to improve.
In addition to on-air activities primarily on 2 meter repeaters in Harford County, MD, we communicate extensively online.
Please inquire if you have any questions about Harford County EmComm!
»» Also see our history page for more information about Harford EmComm! ««