Amateur Radio Emergency Service: Volunteers for Disaster

ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is a group of licensed amateurs who have decided to volunteer their equipment and skills to public service when disaster strikes. All licensed amateurs are eligible to volunteer services with ARES, and only amateurs are eligible. These volunteers provide a life-saving service, and members are fully capable of carrying out their respective duties.
ARES is divided into four descending levels: National, Section, District, and Local. Their responsibilities flow as follows:
The National Level
Organization at the national level is the responsibility of the ARRL Field and Educational Services Manager, who advises all ARES officials when problems arise, maintains contact with federal and other national officials, and carries out the ARRL's procedures on emergency communications.
The Section Level
ARRL members elect the Section Manager, who then appoints a Section Emergency Coordinator, who works under the Section Manager's supervision. The SM delegates to the SEC the administration of the sectional emergency plan. The SEC also usually has authority to appoint District and Local Emergency Coordinators. Sections vary across the nation in efficiency, as some appointed officials are more competent than others.
The Local Level
The real organization of emergency plans happens mostly at the Local level, as most emergencies occur at this level, and the ARES leaders have direct contact with ARES volunteers. The local EC is given jurisdiction over a certain area, such as a community or city, county, or group of counties, and is the key contact for its designated jurisdiction.
The District Level
In large Sections, SEC's have the option of dividing the Local EC's jurisdictions into Districts, in order to coordinate the efforts of the Local EC's and to provide additional organization in an actual emergency.
In addition, Assistant Emergency Coordinators may be appointed at any level to assist the EC.
This public service is an invaluable asset in the case of disasters and emergencies. Local amateurs are often well-trained and skilled communicators. The passing of information by these volunteers can help save lives, and should be appreciated.