NH ARES

NH ARES — Amateur Radio Emergency Service

 Trained volunteers delivering reliable communications when it matters most

NH ARES provides trained amateur radio operators who stand ready to support emergency communications for local, state, and regional incidents. We work to ensure clear, redundant, and dependable messaging when conventional systems are strained or unavailable.

A man wearing a navy uniform with a badge and a name tag, sitting at a desk and speaking on a landline phone. He has a gray mustache, a beige cap, and is looking at a computer monitor.
A roadside sign indicating an amateur radio emergency communication event, with an arrow pointing to the right and the town seal for Towim.

Our Services

  • Emergency Communications Staffing: Volunteer staff nets, incident command posts, field operations, and shelters.

  • Radio Network Support: HF, VHF, and UHF coverage, including repeaters, simplex, and point-to-point links.

  • Message Handling: Clear, concise traffic flow, standard formats, and support for digital modes (e.g., Winlink).

  • Incident Coordination: Liaison with emergency management, public safety, Red Cross, and other partners; participation in IAPs and SITREPs.

  • Training & Preparedness: Regular drills, safety briefings, and operating guidelines to keep volunteers ready.

  • Equipment & Logistics: Access to portable and fixed gear, power options, and field setup support.

  • Public Support: Assistance at events, shelters, and community preparedness activities.

How We Help in Emergencies

  • Restoring and augmenting communications when cell networks and the internet are down.

  • Relaying critical information such as resource needs, shelter status, and route updates.

  • Supporting shelters, evacuation centers, and point-of-distribution sites with reliable comms.

  • Providing a local, trained cadre of operators to boost community resilience.

A person wearing headphones working with electronic equipment outdoors on a grassy area.
Five people standing in front of a white trailer with a pop-up awning, wearing neon yellow safety vests, in an outdoor setting with trees and a gravel ground.

Get Involved

  • Who can join: Licensed amateur radio operators (all license classes welcome) and volunteers willing to train and deploy.

  • How to start: Contact your local ARES leadership or the NH Section Manager via ARRL or your area amateur radio club.

  • Next steps: Attend a meeting, complete required training, and learn activation procedures.

  • Learn about the Incident Command System (ICS) and radio procedures.

  • Explore training opportunities and upcoming drills in New Hampshire.

JOIN NOW

Map of New Hampshire with counties labeled from 1 to 11 and corresponding names listed on the right side, including North Country, West Central, Mt. Washington Valley, Central NH, Stratford County, Capitol Region, Cheshire County, Greater Nashua, Greater Manchester, Western Rockingham, and Eastern Rockingham.

Becoming an active member of NH-ARES opens doors to engage in training opportunities that can enhance your ability to contribute effectively during emergencies and public service events. Public service events serve as a unique training platform in tactical communications. Click Learn More about NH local ARES groups.

Learn more

Official Sites

Documentation/Guides

NH Section ARES