The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in ARRL or any other local or national organization, is eligible for membership in the ARES. The only qualification, other than possession of an Amateur Radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but is not a requirement for membership.

ARES members work with the United States Weather Service's SKYWARN™ program and CERT, the Community Emergency Response Team.

The Emergency Coordinator for Cobb County is Ed Humphries, N5RCK .  Ed may be reached at by email at ed@humphries.com