Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is a registered trademark of the American Radio Relay League. ARES is a public service program that focuses volunteer amateur radio operators to the mission of public service.

The Federal Communication Commission licenses amateur radio operators. Under the Part 97, Subpart E, Section 97.401 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, amateur radio operators are to assist with communications “When normal communication systems are overloaded, damaged or disrupted because a disaster has occurred, or is likely to occur, in an area where the amateur service is regulated by the FCC, an amateur station may make transmissions necessary to meet essential communication needs and facilitate relief actions.”

Fayette County ARES is the traditionally accepted organization that coordinates amateur radio emergency communications in Lexington Kentucky.

Amateur radio operators provide a special contribution to event and emergency communications. Under federal law, they cannot accept compensation for their communication tasks. They serve the community for the satisfaction of helping the community.

To learn more about how Fayette County ARES can assist you at your event, please download this PDF file.