A volunteer communications reserve, ready when our community needs one

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is made up of licensed radio amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for public-service communications when disasters strike. DeKalb ARES is the local chapter serving DeKalb County, Georgia. Every licensed amateur is eligible for membership; the only other qualification is a sincere desire to serve.

We are affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and operate primarily within the jurisdiction of DeKalb County, Georgia. We serve the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency, and we support GEMA at the statewide level through GAARES and GA AuxComm.

Our mission

We provide public-service communications support, on a voluntary basis, to public safety, public health, and other community organizations. Our commitment is to be a ready resource of trained communicators for these organizations and to serve when and where needed.

How we operate

The group is led by James W. Penland, N4RAR, our Emergency Coordinator, alongside a team of Assistant Emergency Coordinators handling net operations, training, digital communications, and Skywarn. We meet on the air every Sunday evening on the Alford Memorial Radio Club repeater for our weekly training net, and in person one Saturday a month at DeKalb Fire/Rescue Headquarters in Tucker.

Members train in emergency preparedness through ARRL and FEMA courses, practice on county-wide drills, and participate in community events like the Atlanta Marathon and the July 4 Peachtree Road Race. Many of our members have served away from our home base in times of need.

Who we are

DeKalb ARES members come from every corner of the community — students, professionals, retirees. We welcome all members to participate to the extent they can. There are no dues. No fees. Your time and your willingness to learn are more than sufficient.