When Power Goes Down, Volunteer Amateur Radio Operators Step Up

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — When a major storm hits Hillsborough County, and residents are left in the dark, leaders of the County's Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) are able to answer the call.

Using specialized equipment including HAM radios and large antennas, RACES provides a line of communication when all else fails.

RACES volunteers provide vital links with emergency shelters and the county's command center at the Public Safety Operations Complex. The operators are in place through the duration of a storm and can communicate with first responders and residents, regardless of the loss of electricity and internet.

Stay up-to-date by viewing all Hurricane Ian coverage on Patch here.

The amateur radio operators are prepared to step in if other means of communication among emergency responders break down.

RACES is made up of organized, trained, qualified and credentialed amateur radio operators who support vital communications through partner agencies and organizations during emergencies and disasters.

Learn more about Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services.