RACES is the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service, as authorized by Part 97.407 of the FCC Rules and

Office of Emergency Management

Regulations. Its mission is to operate and maintain Amateur, Public Safety, and other communication systems, and to perform unique, accurate, and efficient communication services to assist government officials in the protection of life and property.

The Township of Parsippany Troy-Hills has a R.A.C.E.S. group that operates under the Office of Emergency Management, consisting of about 12 licensed Amateur Radio Operators who volunteer their skills and time to set up organized non-commercial communication networks via "Ham" radio. Equipped with a Radio Room at the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), mobile command center, and many portable, base and handheld radios on a multitude of frequencies.

RACES -- Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services and pronounced "Ray-seize" -- provides amateur radio emergency communications support for the Office Of Emergency Management. RACES units are sub-organizations of their respective OEM. Created in 1952 primarily to serve in civil defense emergencies, RACES provides essential communications and warning links to supplement State and local government communication resources during emergencies. FEMA sponsors the formation of RACES units for each OEM by providing planning guidance, technical assistance, and funding. RACES activities are conducted by volunteer amateurs using their primary station licenses (or special RACES station licenses, but these are being phased out). RACES operations in the amateur radio service are governed by the Federal Communication Commission's ( FCC) Rules and Regulations 47 CFR Part 97.407. Of important note is that, in the event that the President invokes the War Emergency powers, all amateur radio operations would be silenced, EXCEPT for amateurs officially enrolled and operating as RACES stations, who would be limited to certain frequencies.