Emergency Communications Organizations in the Inland Northwest

There are several organizations that are involved, directly or indirectly, in emergency communications in the Inland Northwest. Here’s a brief description of each:

DIRECTLY
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.

Auxiliary Communication Service/System (ACS)
ACS members assist in emergencies and support community events and have the opportunity to participate in extensive training and exercises. ACS members also have additional training and are authorized to use government communications equipment and frequencies. RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services) is now incorporated into ACS. ACS primarily supports communications between all government emergency management agencies, which includes local, state and federal organizations, along with response partners such as the Red Cross.

EWA Emcomms Group
Based in Okanogan County, our group is open to any licensed amateur radio operators in the Inland Northwest. Our main source of group day-to-day group contact is through our Telegram Group: EWA Emcomms. To join please contact: “EK” via Telegram - 509-387-3693
Our modes of operation
Band: 40m NVIS, Frequency: 7.112 MHz
The “EWA” JS8CALL Net
When: Monthly on the first Friday
Where: 7.112 MHz
Groups Name: @EWACOMMS
W/F Setting: Find a “clear” area to send from anywhere with-in our W/F area.(1900hz to 5200hz)
Time: Check-ins may be submitted anytime between 1800 and 2359 (PT)

INDIRECTLY
These organizations have their primary focus on amateur radio in general or a specific aspect of amateur radio.

Inland Empire VHF Radio Association (IEVHFRA)
Our group has existed for over 50 years, promoting the hobby of amateur radio. We have monthly meetings on the second Thursday at 6:30pm that include presentations about various aspects of the hobby. Our 146.880 MHz repeater is one of the best in Eastern Washington with coverage of Spokane County and surrounding areas.

Spokane DX Association (SDXA)
The purpose of this Spokane, WA based Association is to bring together those radio amateurs interested in the serious endeavor of working DX and DX contesting, to enhance the DXCC totals of the members, to promote good DX operating practices, and to enjoy the fellowship of like minded individuals. Visitors with an interest in DXing and/or contesting shall be welcome at meeting which is held the first Thursday at 6:30pm.

Inland Empire GMRS
A cooperative of GMRS radio operators in the Eastern Washington and North Idaho area. Our mission is to build a welcoming group for those interested in radio communication and emergency preparedness by providing a community resource for introduction to radio and emergency radio communications