Sedgwick County R.A.C.E.S.

Established in 1952, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.), governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, plays a crucial role in emergency communications within the United States and its territories. R.A.C.E.S. operates under the umbrella of amateur radio services, with a primary focus on supporting emergency management agencies during crises.

As part of the Federal Communication Commission's 47 CFR 97.407 Subpart E, Emergency Management maintains a Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service Volunteer Team. The purpose of this disaster volunteer team is to provide a critical back-up communication tool to support our community in times of dire need or in the event of an emergency which necessitates invoking the President's War Emergency Powers Act.

Sedgwick County R.A.C.E.S. is activated in various emergencies where conventional government communication systems are either damaged or need supplementary support for Sedgwick County, Kansas. This includes natural disasters, technological catastrophes, civil unrest, nuclear/chemical events, terrorist activities, or enemy attacks.

While the FCC initiated and regulates R.A.C.E.S., the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) administers it. FEMA's involvement stems from its nationwide responsibility for disaster preparedness, aid, and recovery. Each local R.A.C.E.S. group is overseen by a corresponding local government entity tasked with disaster services.

R.A.C.E.S.'s significance is outlined in the Amateur Radio Regulations, Part 97, Subpart F, by the FCC. Historically, the FCC granted special licenses to government agencies for R.A.C.E.S. operations, though this practice has ceased.

Additionally, Sedgwick County R.A.C.E.S. functions as a program within Sedgwick County Emergency Management, further integrating amateur radio capabilities into local disaster response and preparedness strategies.