Amateur Radio Operators for Grand Prairie Emergency Services

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What is Grand Prairie Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES)?

RACES is an organization of licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer their time and equipment to provide supplemental communications to the City of Grand Prairie, county, state and federal agencies in time of emergency or natural disasters. Its operation is governed by FCC regulations found in PART 97, Subpart E. A major function performed by RACES in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is providing information to the City of Grand Prairie and the National Weather Service (NWS) during periods of threatening or severe weather.

Who can participate?

By FCC regulations, only certified appointees may participate in Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (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 a two-meter operating privilege may apply through the City of Grand Prairie Office of Emergency Management to be certified by the authorizing agency. Amateur radio operators living or working in Grand Prairie may apply.

If you do not currently have an amateur radio operator's license, but would like to obtain one, please contact Anthony Guthrie at anthonytguthrie@gmail.com or visit our website www.gptxraces.org for more information.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrate a willingness to prepare for and participate in emergency communications events.
• Willing to equip one's self with the knowledge, skills, abilities and equipment to meet basic mission requirements.
• Possess a valid Amateur Radio Operator's License for two-meter operations.
• Live in or be able to respond to activations in the City of Grand Prairie.
• Be approved by the City of Grand Prairie. (background checks conducted)
• Completion of FEMA National Incident Management & Incident Command System Training.
• IS-100 Intro to Incident Command System
• IS-200, ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• IS-700, NIMS an Overview
• IS-800, National Response Framework, An Overview
• IS-802, Emergency Support Function #2: Communications
• IS-271, Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk
• Other training as required

Additional Information

Completion of FEMA Independent Study courses is not required (but preferable) prior to application. This training should be completed within 6 months of appointment.

Please apply directly online at http://bttr.im/801qc.