About TENNESSEE AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (TNARES)

The Tennessee Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a voluntary noncommercial communication organization that focuses principally on providing emergency communications to federal, state and local government agencies as well as non-government organizations. Amateur radio operators, also know as "hams", have been involved with public service emergency communications since 1913. "As time progressed, the need for and value of organization became evident, resulting in the establishment of organized trunk lines and net systems; later the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic System (NTS) were formed to complete the organization" (from the ARRL Public Service Communications Manual).

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is comprised of licensed radio amateur operators who volunteer to provide their equipment and expertise for communications duty in public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in ARES. Training may be required or desired to participate fully in ARES. Please inquire at the County level for specific information.