T.E.A.R.S

T.E.A.R.S is the official Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) affiliated group for Tillamook County, Oregon. Members assist in providing emergency communications throughout the County in times of need. This was proven during the storm of December 2, 2007, when Tillamook County was hit with devastating winds and rain over a three day period. At one time or another, all of the County was without power, telephone service was interrupted and much of the County was isolated due to downed trees and extensive flooding. Tillamook ARES members jumped in willingly, putting in long hours to provide emergency communications and passing along vital messages throughout the County.

REGULAR MEETINGS
7:00 p.m.
Second Thursday of every month
Starting in August 2008
Tillamook 911 Center Conference Room
2311 3rd Street, Tillamook
Entrance on the East side of the building

Pre-meeting gathering at Main Street Pizza, North Hwy 101, Tillamook at 5:30 pm.
no reservations, no host, just drop in

Contact Gordon McCraw
gamccraw@charter.net

ARES is part of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Organization. ARES consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization is eligible for membership ARES. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio License is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership. While the primary activity of ARES is to provide emergency communications during disasters, ARES also provides essential communications for public events including parades, marathons and other races, walkathons, bicycle tours and other large events where swift, reliable communications can protect and improve the safety of the general public. To achieve these goals, ARES provides amateur radio operators with training in emergency communications, directed net procedures, on-air discipline, formal message handling and emergency preparedness.