The Operational Priorities of ARES are designed to guide the strategic deployment and coordination of amateur radio resources during emergency and disaster situations. These priorities reflect the core mission of ARES: to provide reliable, flexible, and resilient communication support to public safety agencies, emergency management officials, and communities when traditional systems are compromised or unavailable. By aligning efforts with the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), ARES ensures its volunteers are integrated effectively into broader response frameworks. Clear operational priorities help maintain situational awareness, protect life and property, and support the continuity of essential services, ensuring that ARES can deliver timely and meaningful impact during any crisis.
Our Priorities
1. INSURE TCARES VOLUNTEER SAFETY
2. Protect life and property
3. Provide effective and efficient emergency communications resources
4. Collect and quickly disseminate accurate situational awareness to assist decision making by emergency managers and served agencies
5. Support rapid and effective emergency response
6. Support mass care and temporary sheltering efforts
7. Support transition from response to recovery
8. Coordinate media inquiries through the ARES Public Information Officer
9. Provide accurate tracking and reporting of ARES volunteer activities