We respond to large scale disasters which result in severe damage to normal communications or where normal communications is overloaded and can not handle the additional load created by the disaster and associated aid and recovery operations.

With commercial 2-way radio NACEC holds the operating licenses and issues the 2-way radio equipment directly to the organization and person that needs it. The radio equipment is very simple to use and user training takes about a minute. The range is good and the NACEC field team can control how large of an area that the communications equipment will cover.

Unlike some other radio services, commercial radio equipment can be used by the person that needs it, rather than requiring it be operated by a licensed radio operator, which can drastically increase the number of persons within the disaster area that must be managed and maintained with water, food and shelter. In some disaster situations this can be extremely difficult. Also the organization can discuss the organizations business issues over commercial radio. In some instances commercial radio conversations may be encrypted adding another layer of security and privacy to the organizations communications.

Once we are equipped and fully operational, we expect to have our field teams deployed around 50% to 65% of the time.

The commercial radio techs in our field teams must poses an Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radio Operators License (GROL) or its equivalent and have a minimum of 5 years of radio communications and electronics maintenance experience. It is the responsibility of our technicians to service and maintain the communications equipment we provide. They also provide technical support and assistance to other communications services damaged within the disaster area to help them get back in operation faster.

Yes! When we need volunteers in the field to assist our commercial radio technicians we first turn to the amateur radio community. Many amateur radio operators poses basic electronics skills. We are planning to add a volunteer registration system, where amateur radio operators can sign up to help our field teams should we be called to respond to a disaster in or near their community.

We always have a need for the help of volunteers. Most volunteer help will be in support of things that are needed for day-to-day operations on the office end of things. This can be almost anything from helping with Internet research, to helping with fundraising. We are also looking for volunteers that are professionals and retired professionals in many different areas of expertise, like marketing, political science, media, training and grant writing to mention only some of the many skills needed.

From time to time we may need volunteers to assist our field operations within disaster areas. Here volunteers may be sitting at a desk helping to issue equipment, or out assisting technical staff to install radio equipment at a remote location.

If you would like to volunteer your help, follow the "Volunteers" link in the upper right corner of most pages where you will be able to complete and submit a volunteer information form.

Prior to 2010, no staff were ever paid. Due to the length of time spent in preparation, management and at disasters, this eventually resulted in undue financial hardship. Rather than cease providing services, key staff will now be paid.

We currently have 3 full time staff working 8-14 hours a day at least 5 days a week. This number is expected to grow by 2 over the next several months.

We are talking to manufacturers, distributors and retailers to find those companies that are willing to help us provide our emergency communications services by donating equipment to our organization. You will be able to see which companies are getting behind this organization and providing their support by visiting our sponsors page. All equipment that is needed and not donated must be purchased.

Donations. All of this organizations funding, for equipment, maintenance, training, transportation, staff and everything else needed to keep this organization ready to respond quickly comes from donations.

No! Our mission is to provide a low impact communications infrastructure for use by the organizations that are working within the disaster area in support of the victims. We are supported by contributions and thus do not charge for our services.