RACES (pronounced race-ease) is an acronym for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. It is administered by local, county, and state emergency management agencies and is a part of the Amateur Radio Service that provides radio communications for civil-preparedness purposes only. These emergencies are not limited to war-related activities, but can include natural disaster such as fires, floods and earthquakes.

On the local level, these services are provided by ARES (pronounced air-ease) or Amateur Radio Emergency Services. ARES consists of licensed amateurs or more commonly known as HAM radio operators. They have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty when called upon for public service. The only qualification, other than possession of an valid Amateur radio license, is a sincere desire to serve. 

In Orange County, all members hold dual memberships in both ARES and RACES. This permits them to participate in official activities and as an independent public service organization. As a RACES member, they are a part of Orange County Emergency Management ESF 2 ? Communications. Orange County Public Safety has installed county owned equipment in every communications center for back-up emergency operations. Through their efforts, emergency coordination WORLD-WIDE is made possible. For more information, visit their website.