Marin County RACES/ACS operates under the authority of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES). The goal of RACES/ACS is to provide adjunct communications services to OES in the event of a significant emergency in Marin County.
During times of emergency, RACES/ACS teams may be called upon to exchange messages between key locations such as fire stations, police stations, hospitals, public works facilities, and other county resources. Our members are trained in the use of various communications modes and use the best available means to provide adjunct communications. This means that we are not limited to “ham radio” but may also use the county radio system, the Internet, mobile telephone, social networking systems, and traditional landline telephone systems.
The RACES/ACS volunteers are organized into four regions and managed by a hierarchical leadership team. The membership of RACES/ACS is screened by the Marin County Sheriff’s Department and is required to maintain competency in communications, technology, and emergency response processes through regular training and drills.
RACES/ACS members meet weekly ‘on the air’ for a formal network check-in. There are additional training opportunites, including general membership meetings four times a year at the Marin County Emergency Operations Center. Prospective members are invited to take part in the weekly nets and to attend the General Meeting.
For more information check out the Marin RACES/ACS website.
