About Us
Carolina Amateur Radio Emergency Services is an organized group of amateur radio operators, where their main priority is to provide emergency communications in times of disasters to the Cherokee County Red Cross chapter and local government agencies.
Secondly, some members are trained by the National Weather Service as weather spotters. These members survey the area for severe weather activity and/or damage, then transmit their severe weather reports directly to the National Weather Service Office via amateur radio. The reports are used by meteorologists to issue weather warnings and watches.
This organization also provides many public service communications throughout the year. Every year CARES provides assistance with the peach festival parade by setting up several traffic control stations and directing participants in their line up positions. Another event is the Assault on Mt. Mitchell, where members set up temporary communications along the bike route. This is very helpful in case bike riders sustain an injury or a serious situation could occur, in which CARES members would radio for proper assistance. CARES also provides a communication link when supplies are needed. These are just a few examples of some of the events that CARES participates in each year.
CARES is active in educating the community about amateur radio and its importance in emergency situations. CARES provides training classes and assistance for individuals that are interested in receiving amateur radio training and help obtaining an FCC required amateur radio license.
Members of CARES are always willing to help fellow amateur radio operators and non-amateur operators. No matter the question or situation CARES members are always there to help.
Being a member of such a wonderful organization is a very rewarding experience. The members help the community every day and are not thanked often enough for their hard work and dedication. Se please consider being a member of this organization and helping your community out. Click here for a membership application