Community

Discussion Forum

Join conversations on our Discourse server

Knowledge Base

Training materials, SOPs, and resources

Technical Resources

Tools We Use

Communication systems and software we deploy

Repeater Directory

Local area repeaters

Skywarn Weather

Weather spotter program

Meshtastic Network

Regional mesh network map

VoIP Systems

All-StarLink, HOIP, Asterisk info

Quick Links

Event Calendar

Integrated event calendar with external feeds

Email Listserv

ares@listserv.alexares.org

Affiliated Clubs

W4HFH Calendar

Alexandria Radio Club events and nets

Alexandria Radio Club

W4HFH website and information

Mount Vernon ARC

MVARC website and resources

Emergency Communications
When It Matters Most

Volunteer amateur radio communicators providing backup communications support to Alexandria City EOC, Red Cross, CERT, and community organizations when primary systems fail or are overwhelmed.

Serving Alexandria City Since 2010 • Trained volunteer communicators ready to support emergency operations

Who We Serve

Supporting emergency operations and community organizations

Alexandria City EOC

Primary supported agency for emergency operations and disaster response coordination

American Red Cross

Communications support for shelter operations, logistics, and disaster response activities

CERT Teams

Backup communications for Community Emergency Response Team operations and training

Community Organizations

Religious organizations, nonprofits, and community groups requiring communications support

Our Capabilities

Trained volunteers ready when called upon

Trained Communicators

ARES Certified communicators with CISA certifications (COM-L, COM-T, RADO) trained in NIMS/ICS integration and emergency communications procedures.

GIS Services

Digital mapping and Geographic Information System support for enhanced situational awareness during emergency operations.

Mutual Aid Network

Access to regional ARES teams through ARRL network for extended operations and 24-hour communications support.

Training Programs

Ham radio licensing, Field Day exercises, technical workshops, and emergency communications training for members.

IT Services

VoIP telephone systems, network equipment, mesh WiFi solutions, and IT support for incident management operations.

Communications Consulting

Guidance on GMRS/business band licensing, equipment selection, and radio communications planning for organizations.

View Detailed Capabilities Tools We Use

How our Site Works

Built for resilience and offline access

Our site is primarily static HTML with the knowledge base being Wiki.JS. We chose this architecture because our site lives simultaneously in multiple places with content being synced under normal circumstances. All our content is kept in a git repository which allows collaborative access and continuity of operations.

Cloudflare Pages is our primary hosting solution. This helps ensure security and availability, however as an ARES Team our members need access to resources even if there is no internet. Our site is also available via AREDN and Reticulum. If you're curious how this works, don't hesitate to reach out!

We also rely on a Discourse server as our primary method of discussion and collaboration. Some of the topics are replicated to a BPQ32/LinBPQ server that is available locally for our members.

Finally, for file sharing we have a SyncThing shared folder that each team member has access to. SyncThing is a peer-to-peer file sharing application that allows users to sync files across devices or between team members.

Want to learn more about the tools and systems we use?

Explore Our Communications Tools

Ready to Serve Your Community?

Join a team of dedicated volunteers providing emergency communications support to Alexandria City.

Learn How to Join Contact Us