Coordinating with CERT and ARES

GMRS operators don't have to work alone during emergencies. Two well-established programs — CERT and ARES — provide frameworks for organized emergency communication, and GMRS fits alongside both of them.

CERT: Community Emergency Response Team

CERT is a FEMA program that trains ordinary citizens in basic disaster response: fire safety, light search and rescue, medical triage, and team organization. CERT teams are organized at the local level, often through your city or county emergency management office.

Many CERT teams use GMRS for internal communication during training exercises and deployments. GMRS is a natural fit because:

• Team members can get licensed quickly and affordably
• Inexpensive handheld radios work well for neighborhood-level operations
• No technical exam required (unlike amateur radio)
• Family license coverage means team members' households can monitor too

CERT training is free, typically runs 20-24 hours over several weeks, and is available in most communities. Search FEMA's CERT directory to find a program near you.

ARES: Amateur Radio Emergency Service

ARES is a volunteer organization under the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) that provides emergency communication using amateur (ham) radio. ARES operators are trained in message handling, interoperability with public safety agencies, and deployed communication systems.

ARES is specifically a ham radio organization — you need an amateur radio license to be a full ARES member. However, GMRS operators can work alongside ARES in several ways:

• Neighborhood-level relay: GMRS operators can gather information from their communities and relay it to ARES operators who pass it up the chain
• Supplemental communication: During large-scale events, ARES may welcome GMRS operators to handle local traffic while ham operators manage long-distance links
• Cross-training: Participating in ARES exercises teaches communication discipline and procedures you can apply on GMRS

Getting involved

1. Contact local emergency management: Ask about CERT training and whether your community uses GMRS as part of its emergency communication plan
2. Join a CERT team: Even without prior radio experience, CERT training gives you skills that pair perfectly with your GMRS license
3. Attend ARES meetings: Many ARES groups welcome observers. You'll learn emergency communication procedures and may decide to pursue a ham license as well
4. Volunteer for exercises: Community emergency drills often need radio operators. Volunteer with your GMRS radio to gain experience