HB Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

What is HB RACES

RACES provides (pronounced "RAY-sees"), was created in 1951 primarily to serve in civil defense emergencies to provide essential communications and warning links to supplement State and local governments. The program is endorsed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC Part 97, Section 407).

Administered by the Fire Department, RACES members volunteer their time, skills and equipment to support the City during special events and real world emergencies. HB RACES is not an Amateur Radio club. It is a volunteer team within a Fire Department's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

HB RACES personnel are certified by the State of California as Disaster Service Workers and are trained to provide public safety communications support.

You Can Join Our Team if You

Are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator
Are at least 18 years of age
Can attend meetings regularly
Can check in to weekly radio nets
Are available for callouts and special duties
Own a portable 2-meter amateur radio
Can pass a background check conducted by the Huntington Beach Police Department
Desire to provide a public service
Live or work in Huntington Beach

Special Events Communications

We provide communications for special events (Public Service, Outreach and Training) such as:

Surf City Marathon
4th of July Parade
Annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay
Orange County Fair, Amateur Radio Booth
County-wide Emergency Operations Center Drills
Annual School Emergency Communication Drill
Annual County-wide SET Drill
ARRL Field Day
Equestrian Shows
Fire Department Shadow Drills
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Exercises

Our Priorities During a Disaster Include

Establishing RACES Net Control in the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Supplementing impact assessment and/or windshield survey reports for the EOC
Backing up Fire, Police, Public Works, and Marine Safety communication systems
Providing backup communications between public/private schools and the EOC
Providing communications to city facilities
Establishing communications in emergency shelters
Relaying CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) neighborhood reports
Providing ATV (Amateur Television), a live video feed from the city's helicopter and field locations to the EOC

Contact Us at

(714) 375-5178
[email protected]
Radio Nets are held on the
W6HBR Repeater
at 7:15 pm each Monday.
The Repeater Frequency is:
145.140 -600, 110.9 HZ

Did you know?

The Huntington Beach Fire Department conducts free home fire safety inspections for seniors. You can also get a free smoke detector with a 10 year battery and carbon monoxide detector installed. This free service is provided by Project SHIP senior home inspection program volunteers. You can schedule an appointment online or call 714-374-1615.