In 1952, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) was founded in the United States as a part of the civil defense framework. Established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), RACES was designed to provide emergency communication support during civil defense emergencies, such as natural disasters, wars, and other national crises. Amateur radio operators who are part of RACES are authorized to transmit during these emergencies when the President or state/local authorities activate the service. RACES plays a crucial role in ensuring reliable communication during emergencies, highlighting the importance of amateur radio operators in public safety and disaster response efforts.
