About SCCo ARES/RACES

SCCo ARES/RACES is an organization of over 350 volunteer radio operators providing emergency communications services to Santa Clara County.

Organization

We combine ARES, RACES, and ACS into a single organization in each city and at the county level. Our city organizations handle volunteer registration and local needs. Our county organization handles training, mutual aid, and county-wide response.

Getting Started

We’d love to have you join us and get started in the world of emergency communications. Here are some initial steps.

Welcome to emergency communications! Here’s how to get started.

AlertSCC

Santa Clara County’s AlertSCC system provides emergency notifications to residents. We also use it for emergency notifications to RACES operators. RACES operators should sign up for both sets of notifications (two different signup methods).

Email Discussion Groups

SCCo ARES/RACES has email discussion groups on various topics that operators can join. All operators should join the announce group, and any others that interest them.

Disaster Service Worker

DSW registration provides Worker’s Compensation insurance and limited liability protection for some RACES activities. All operators should be registered as a DSW in their home city. Most will register as a DSW for the county as well.

Alerts Archive

Read the alert bulletins from past events such as COVID-19, wildfires, and power shutoffs.