Welcome to Ottawa County ARES!
ARES Net every Wednesday night at 2000hrs
ARES and Skywarn Nets
On 442.250 repeater encode only pl 100 Hz
Disaster Frequency: 446.580
What We DO
Communications
Back Up in Case of Emergency
Amateur Radio
Members take a test to be certified by the FCC to operate special radio equipment on certain bands.
GMRS
Members fill out an application and pay a fee to be able to operate within the GMRS UHF band.
Zello
Members also use the phone app “Zello” which turns the phone into a two-way radio.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply reach out to our team, and we will be glad to help you on your journey!
Can anyone join ARES?
If you are planning on getting your GMRS license and/or are studying for your amateur radio license, then yes!
Do I really need a license to talk on a radio?
Absolutely. At least on the GMRS and ham radio bands. It is a requirement of the FCC.
Do you provide coverage for severe weather events?
Yes! We have a robust compliment of Skywarn certified spotters who observe radar and real-time, live weather phenomena and report directly to the NWS- Cleveland.
Can I just buy a $30 radio and be prepared for an emergency?
No! You are setting yourself up for failure. You must practice the art of communication and know your radio inside and out.
As an ARES member, do you have any law enforcement authority?
Absolutely not! We are not LEO’s, EMS providers, meteorologists under the auspices of ARES.