Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) is a volunteer organization of amateur radio operators who are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide essential communications for State and local governments in time of emergency. Created in 1952 to serve in civil defense emergencies, RACES provides essential communications and warning links to supplement State and local government operations during emergencies.
As a secondary function, RACES is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide emergency communications for civil preparedness purposes. RACES members use their primary stations or designated RACES stations to conduct emergency communications on specific frequencies.