RACES means "radio amateur civil emergency service."It is a radio service using amateur stations for civil defense communications during periods of local, regional, or national civil emergencies. RACES are available to assist any agency to provide emergency communications support when requested.For additional information visit the RACES website.

What RACES Does

In times of disaster or emergency, communications support is provided to the City of La Quinta by civic-minded volunteer amateur radio operators. These operators are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and affiliated with the Riverside County RACES organization. They are trained and specifically authorized to provide emergency communications between the City and other governmental agencies served by RACES operators.

How to Become a Member of RACES

All members of La Quinta RACES are members of the Coachella Valley District of Riverside County RACES and are registered as volunteer Disaster Service Workers. Coachella Valley RACES maintains readiness through periodic training.

For an application and prerequisites please visit the Rivco Ready Volunteer Page.

RACES Training Opportunities

Training occurs at monthly meetings (usually the second Thursday evening of the month in Palm Springs) and during exercises. Exercises include participation in The Great California Shake Out each October and providing non-emergency radio communications in support of community events to help ensure the safety of participants and residents.

The La Quinta RACES team members meet periodically at the La Quinta City Hall Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and they conduct monthly Disaster Net radio checks.

Contact

Contact the Emergency Management Division at emergencyservicesmail@laquintaca.gov or (760) 777-7128.