Getting Started in Ham Radio Emergency Communications
Emergency communications is one of the most rewarding areas of amateur radio — and one of the most accessible. You do not need exotic equipment or advanced technical skills to make a meaningful contribution. What you need is a licence, basic operating proficiency, a willingness to train, and a radio you can deploy when needed. This guide walks you through the first steps from finding your local group to making your first EmComm contact.
Get or upgrade your licence
A Technician licence covers VHF and UHF for local nets, repeaters, and SKYWARN. For regional EmComm on HF — especially 40m and 80m — a General class licence is strongly recommended. Upgrading to General is achievable with a few weeks of study.
Get a basic dual-band radio
A VHF/UHF dual-band handheld (HT) covering 2m and 70cm is the starting point. Budget options from Baofeng or Radioddity work fine initially. A mobile radio (25–50W) with an external antenna provides significantly more range for deployment. You do not need an HF rig on day one.
Complete ICS-100 and IS-700
FEMA's free online courses ICS-100 and IS-700 are the standard entry-level training for EmComm. Both are available at training.fema.gov and can be completed at your own pace. Most ARES sections require or strongly recommend these before you deploy. Plan for 2–4 hours per course.
Find your local ARES group
Use the ARRL's Section and Emergency Coordinator lookup at arrl.org to find your local EC. Contact them to ask about the local ARES group, their regular net, and any upcoming events. Introduce yourself and ask how to check in.
Check into the local net regularly
Most ARES groups run a weekly net on a local repeater. Checking in regularly is the single most important thing a new EmComm operator can do. It builds your operating skills, establishes your presence in the group, and keeps you in the loop. The EC uses net participation to gauge who is active and reliable.
Volunteer for a public service event
Most groups provide communications for local events — marathons, bike rides, community fairs. These are low-stakes, excellent practice, and a great way to meet other EmComm operators. The skills you build — net discipline, message passing, operating under pressure — transfer directly to real activations.
Build a basic go-kit
A go-kit is a self-contained portable station you can deploy on short notice. Even a modest kit — an HT, a spare battery, a roll-up J-pole, and a notepad — makes you more useful in an activation than an operator who shows up empty-handed.
| Course | Provider | Cost | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICS-100 | FEMA — training.fema.gov | Free | Required — all EmComm operators |
| IS-700 | FEMA — training.fema.gov | Free | Required — all EmComm operators |
| ICS-200 | FEMA — training.fema.gov | Free | Recommended — team leaders |
| EC-001 | ARRL Online Learning | Member discount | Recommended — all ARES members |
| SKYWARN Spotter | Local NWS office | Free | For SKYWARN participants |
| Winlink training | winlink.org | Free | For digital EmComm operators |
Can I participate in EmComm with just a Technician licence?
Yes — Technicians are valuable EmComm participants for VHF/UHF operations including local nets, repeaters, SKYWARN, and APRS. HF requires at least a General class licence. Upgrading to General is strongly recommended for operators who want to participate in regional EmComm on 40m and 80m.
How long does it take to become EmComm-ready?
With a licence in hand, basic readiness — ICS training, finding a local group, acquiring a radio, and checking into a net — can be accomplished in a few weeks. Full proficiency in EmComm procedures, digital modes, and go-kit operations typically takes 6–12 months of regular participation.
What is the most important thing I can do as a new EmComm operator?
Show up consistently. Check into the net every week. Participate in public service events. The operators who get called first in an actual activation are the ones the EC knows and trusts — and that trust is built through regular, reliable participation over time.
Do I need expensive equipment to start?
No. A budget dual-band HT in the $30–60 range is adequate to start. A basic go-kit can be assembled for under $200. Invest more as your involvement grows and you understand what your local group needs.