New York City Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (NYC RACES) is a part of the Amateur Radio Service that provides radio communications for civil-preparedness and relief agencies during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies. For over a decade since it was reinstituted by Mayor Rudolph Giuliani when he created the NYC Office of Emergency Management under Jerome Hauer, NYC RACES has always been there to provide the backup radio communications service that was needed during any emergency. These emergencies may include natural disasters (such as fires, floods or earthquakes), any form of communications infrastructure event or acts of terrorism.
RACES is a radio communication service conducted by volunteer licensed amateur radio operators, as authorized by the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States government in 1952, to provide emergency communications to local or state agencies. New York City RACES also provides emergency communications for any disaster relief agency that is working with local government to aid the citizens of New York City. When activated, the NYC RACES station operates under the callsign of WC2OEM.
- Opening and Closing the NYC RACES Net Latest Edition: January 2005
- SEMO Standard Message Form (ASCII version) State Emergency Management Office Standard Message Form in ASCII.
THIS WAS OUR STATION AT 7 WORLD TRADE CENTER, 23RD FLOOR UNTIL 9/11/2001
Two views of NYC RACES Station WC2OEM, located in the same room with the NYC OEM's communications center. Equipment consisted of Kenwood TM251, Kenwood TM742, Yaesu FT900CAT, Icom R70 Receiver, all built into custom-made Motorola cabinets, and a PK232 TNC on top. Antennas were 27 stories further up.
This was the pride and nerve center of NYC RACES from February 1, 1999 until September 11, 2001.
SOME EARLY PHOTOS OF NYC RACES
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani recognizing NYC RACES on September 19, 1997.
The first Director of OEM, Jerry Hauer (center), holds Mayoral Proclamation.
The Seal of the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (1996-2002).
Related Links
Serving the federal emergency management needs of NY, NJ, PR, and the Virgin Islands.
NY State Emergency Management Office (SEMO)
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Agencies.
Includes FEMA's Civil Preparedness Guide.
National site of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - "America's Volunteer Lifesavers".
