"Now is the time for all good hams to come to the aid of their community"

Now really is the time for all in the amateur radio community to come together and prepare for an all-hands emergency in which there is a complete breakdown in general communications.

The Neighborhood Emergency Watch System (NEWS) is a program designed to support our local community by asking that all licensed hams be available during a large scale emergency to pass messages for their family, friends and neighbors WHEN ALL MAINSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS FAIL.

The participating amateur radio operator does not have to be a member of any group, does not need to be formally trained, can be any amateur radio operator with a current license and the ability to talk on the air during an emergency. All that is required is a willingness to help out your immediate neighborhood if such help is required.

Remember, the key here is that the NEWS network is brought into service ONLY during an emergency in which your neighbors cannot get the help they need because they cannot communicate with the outside world. The program is not designed to replace ARES, RACES, MARS or any other amateur radio emergency response organization. NEWS is designed to act in concert as a complimentary system involving those amateur radio operators who do not normally participate in the above mentioned programs.

In an emergency we should all help each other. Amateur Radio is not just a hobby; it's a service.

Please read the mission statement for a better understanding of the NEWS program.