Communications and Disaster Preparedness When emergencies strike Cabarrus County, reliable communication becomes essential. The Cabarrus Amateur Radio Society (CARS) ARES team plays a critical role in ensuring that emergency managers, public safety agencies, and community partners have dependable backup communication when traditional systems fail or become overloaded.
“We hope we’re never needed—but we train like we will be.”
ARES in Cabarrus County: A Mission of Service CARS ARES volunteers are FCC licensed amateur radio operators trained to provide supplemental communication during disasters, severe weather, and major public events. Their work supports Cabarrus County Emergency Management and the broader Concord–Kannapolis region. Our ARES events on FaceBook
🌪️ Recent Emergency Activity in Cabarrus County In late 2024, Cabarrus County mobilized multiple departments to support recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene, which caused widespread damage across Western North Carolina. While the county’s official report highlighted deployments from Emergency Management, EMS, Fire Services, DSS, and other agencies, it did not list ARES involvement.
However, events like Helene underscore exactly why CARS ARES trains year round: to be ready when the county calls.
As one CARS ARES operator put it during a recent training session: “When the power’s out, the cell towers are down, and people need help, amateur radio still works. That’s why we’re here.”
Training for Real World Emergencies CARS ARES members participate in: • Weekly and monthly emergency nets • Portable field exercises simulating grid down operation • Digital communications training (Winlink, FLDIGI, NBEMS) • ICS 100/200/700 coursework to integrate with county emergency operations • Repeater testing and maintenance on Cabarrus area systems such as the K4WC 443.350 MHz repeater in Concord These activities ensure operators can deploy quickly and communicate effectively under pressure.
Ready When Infrastructure Fails CARS ARES volunteers maintain: • Solar powered and battery powered stations • Mobile go kits for rapid deployment • Portable antennas capable of covering the entire county • VHF/UHF and HF capabilities for both local and regional communication This independence from commercial infrastructure makes amateur radio a resilient tool during disasters.
Supporting Cabarrus County Agencies CARS ARES works closely with: • Cabarrus County Emergency Management • Concord and Kannapolis public safety • Local fire and EMS departments • Hospitals and public health partners • Volunteer organizations such as CERT and the Red Cross These partnerships ensure amateur radio is fully integrated into the county’s emergency response framework.
Looking Ahead As Cabarrus County continues to grow and face new challenges, the role of amateur radio remains vital. CARS ARES is committed to expanding its capabilities, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for the next emergency—whatever form it takes.
SIDEBAR: How Licensed Hams Can Join CARS ARES If you’re a licensed amateur radio operator in Cabarrus County, joining ARES is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how to get involved:
1. Attend a CARS Meeting or ARES Net Most new members start by checking in on local repeaters or attending a club meeting to meet the team.
2. Register With ARES ARES membership is open to all licensed hams. Registration typically includes: • Basic contact information • Your equipment capabilities • Your availability for deployments and training
3. Complete Recommended Training To participate fully, ARES encourages completing: • ICS 100 • ICS 200 • ICS 700 These free FEMA courses help volunteers integrate smoothly with emergency management.
4. Build a Go Kit Most ARES operators maintain a portable kit with: • A handheld or mobile radio • Spare batteries or power sources • Antennas and feedline • Basic tools and documentation 5. Participate in Drills and Events
Regular practice ensures readiness. CARS ARES members support: • Emergency nets • Field exercises • Public service events • County level drills 6. Stay Active and Engaged
ARES is a team effort. The more you participate, the more valuable you become during real emergencies.
