When All Else Fails…

Welcome to Skamania County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) website. Our mission is to provide a reliable and efficient communication system for the citizens of Skamania County in the event of an emergency or disaster. We are a group of dedicated amateur radio operators, also known as ham radio operators, who are committed to serving our community.

On this website, you will find information about our organization, upcoming events, and training opportunities. We also provide resources and information on how to become a licensed amateur radio operator. Our website is dedicated to providing the community with reliable information in case of emergency and to promote the use of amateur radio as a valuable resource for emergency communications in Skamania County.

We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the important role amateur radio plays in our community’s emergency communication plan. Stay informed and stay prepared with Skamania County ARES®.

How can you help?

  • If you have an amateur radio license, feel free to check us out.  Attend a meeting, participate in a scheduled NET, apply for membership.
  • If you would like to get an amateur radio license, there are many ways to study for the tests.  Please note that Morse code hasn’t been a requirement for years!
  • Radio Amateurs of the Gorge (RAG/W7RAG) offers a class once per year typically in late summer or early fall in Hood River.   Contact Kevin  for more information.
  • The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has self-study books available with all of the questions and answers you will see on a test.
  • There are plenty of smartphone apps that will drill you in the questions for all 3 levels (Technician, General, and Extra).
  • If you are ready to take an amateur radio license exam, there are many locations in the metropolitan Portland/Vancouver area that offer exam sessions every week. Go to:  http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session and enter a zip code to find a schedule of exam sessions.
  • If you don’t have the time or interest in amateur radio, there are many things you can do to be an asset to your community in the event of an emergency or disaster:
    • Take a First Aid/CPR/AED class.  Check with the Columbia Gorge Community College, local hospitals, or the American Red Cross for a schedule.
    • Participate in the Washington Map Your Neighborhood program.  Map Your Neighborhood is designed to improve disaster readiness at the neighborhood level and teaches neighbors to rely on each other during the hours or days before fire, medical, police or utility responders arrive.
    • Volunteer with your local fire department.

Disclaimer
This website does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any information’s, content  contained on, distributed through, or linked, downloaded or accessed from any of the services contained on this website, nor the quality of any products, information’s or any other material displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of any other information or in connection with the services herein.  This website is not associated or endorsed by the ARRL, Skamania County government, or any other government agency.  All rights reserved.