Purpose of Placentia RACES

Welcome to Placentia, California, Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service

Purpose of RACES

It is the purpose of Placentia RACES to provide emergency communications for the city of Placentia, California in case some event takes down normal communications assets.  All members of this group are volunteers. All members typically have their own equipment. The city also has ham radio equipment at the city hall and on board their emergency command vehicle.  RACES members are tasked to communicate to the city leadership situation reports from various locations in the city, in case a disaster takes place.  Placentia RACES members may be dispatched to nearby cities to help those communities.  RACES members are also tasked to offer city CERT individuals and CERT groups communications if they do not have FRS radios.  Because FRS radios might not make connection to the Placentia city hall and county offices, the RACES members need to step in and solve this problem.

Related Issues:
•    Mutual Aid For Nearby Cities.
•    Placentia RACES Supports CERT
•    FRS Radios Used By CERT Capabilities And Limitations.

Administration of Placentia RACES

The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) is administered by the City of Placentia and is housed within the CERT program. Volunteer members of the Placentia RACES group are dedicated to public safety communications and community service.

The main purposes of the organization are:

  • Providing radio communications support for either the City or other regional communities during and after disasters or emergencies
  • Providing radio communications support for non-emergency functions, such as community activities and mutual aid requests

Membership Qualifications

RACES members must:

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Be available for call-outs and special events
    • Be licensed amateur radio operators
    • Have a desire to provide public service
    • Own a two-meter, 440-band portable / mobile amateur radio(s)

Nets & Frequencies

Interested amateur radio operators are invited to monitor the monthly Placentia RACES net. Guests are encouraged to check in during our visitor check-in time on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:45 p.m. The RACES frequency is 145.645 MHz (Simplex).

Monthly Meetings

RACES meets the second Tuesday of each month to discuss previous, pending, and future items and events. Meetings are hosted at the City Hall and all that wish to attend must arrive prior to 7 p.m. and meet outside of the Police Department entrance. If you will be late, please check-in over the radio to inform the staff that you are behind schedule. 

NOTE:  Due to Covid-19 virus, there are NO in person meetings.  All meetings are conducted as ZOOM meetings.  You must receive an e-mail showing the ZOOM link and password.

City of Placentia | Police Department location:

401 E Chapman Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870

Visitors are always welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, contact the Emergency and Health Services Division at 714 993-8124.

449.680 MHz (-), Repeater PL 131.8 Hz frequency. Sierra Peak is used by Placentia RACES for city communications.

NOTE
Placentia RACES functions as part of the Orange County  RACES  program.  Ham radio operators are encouraged to visit their website and join their program.

 

 

Updated June 19, 2021