W5OBM

Emergency Communications

W5OBM provides critical emergency communications support to our community through ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN programs.

When disasters strike and normal communications fail, amateur radio operators step up to provide vital communication links for emergency services and the public.

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Our Emergency Services

Professional emergency communication services for our community

ARES

Amateur Radio Emergency Service

ARES consists of licensed amateurs who volunteer their communications skills and equipment to provide emergency communications when normal systems fail.

Services Provided:
  • Disaster response communications
  • Health and welfare traffic
  • Public service event support
  • Training and preparedness exercises
  • Interagency coordination

RACES

Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

RACES provides radio communications for civil defense purposes only, during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies.

Capabilities:
  • Civil defense communications
  • Government liaison support
  • Emergency operations center staffing
  • Multi-agency coordination
  • Resource management

SKYWARN

Severe Weather Spotting

SKYWARN is a National Weather Service program that trains volunteer severe weather spotters to provide real-time weather reports.

Activities:
  • Severe weather observation
  • Real-time storm reporting
  • Warning dissemination
  • Weather safety education
  • Community protection

Emergency Communication Frequencies

Essential frequencies for emergency operations

Local Emergency Frequencies

W5OBM Emergency Net

Frequency: 146.940 MHz (-600 kHz, 146.2 PL)

Backup: 147.000 MHz (Simplex)

When: As needed during emergencies

DeSoto County ARES

Primary: 146.760 MHz (-600 kHz, 146.2 PL)

Secondary: 442.700 MHz (+5 MHz, 146.2 PL)

Digital: 145.010 MHz (Packet)

SKYWARN

Primary: 146.520 MHz (National Simplex)

Regional: 146.940 MHz (-600 kHz, 146.2 PL)

Backup: 147.420 MHz (+600 kHz, No PL)

Regional/National Frequencies

Emergency Coordination

3.965 MHz: Emergency Net (80 meters)

7.265 MHz: Emergency Net (40 meters)

14.265 MHz: Emergency Net (20 meters)

21.265 MHz: Emergency Net (15 meters)

Digital Emergency Networks

Winlink: Multiple HF frequencies

APRS: 144.390 MHz

D-STAR: 442.8625 MHz (+5 MHz)

DMR: 441.000 MHz (+5 MHz)

Health & Welfare

14.300 MHz: Maritime Mobile Net

14.265 MHz: Salvation Army Net

7.265 MHz: Health & Welfare Net

Training & Preparedness

Be ready when your community needs you

Emergency Communications Training

Regular training sessions to prepare for emergency communications deployment.

  • NET control procedures
  • Message handling protocols
  • Traffic management
  • Digital emergency modes
  • Incident Command System (ICS)
  • Radio interoperability
Training Schedule
Emergency Equipment

Essential equipment for emergency communications operations.

  • Portable HF/VHF/UHF transceivers
  • Emergency power systems
  • Portable antenna systems
  • Digital mode interfaces
  • Go-kits and jump bags
  • Mobile command posts
Equipment Guidelines

Emergency Preparedness Tips

Be Prepared!

Emergency communications require preparation and practice. Here are essential steps:

Power Preparedness
  • Maintain backup batteries
  • Solar charging capability
  • Generator with RF filtering
  • Power management systems
  • Low-power operation techniques
Antenna Systems
  • Portable antenna designs
  • Multi-band capabilities
  • Quick deployment options
  • Weather-resistant construction
  • NVIS (Near Vertical Incidence Skywave)
Digital Modes
  • Winlink email systems
  • APRS position reporting
  • FT8 and weak signal modes
  • Packet radio networks
  • Digital voice modes
Safety & Security
  • Personal safety protocols
  • Equipment security measures
  • Information handling procedures
  • Traffic encryption when authorized
  • Operational security (OPSEC)

Ready to Serve Your Community?

Join W5OBM's emergency communications team and help protect our community
when disasters strike and normal communications fail.