About Amateur Radio and this site. Welcome to the ARDS web site.  This Internet site is dedicated to Amateur radio as it pertains to disaster services.  Since the beginning of radio, Amateur radio operators, "HAM's" have been involved in sending life saving information in and out of disaster areas.  During and after Earthquakes, Floods, Hurricanes and Tornadoes, HAM's have been there to assist local, state and federal agencies and relief organizations such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army.   By way of the National Traffic System, (NTS) they send health and welfare messages to family members outside of a disaster areas to give information on loved ones.  When telephones and cellular phone service is interrupted by a disaster, HAM's have the ability and means to get the messages in and out when needed. This site in intended to be a resource for Amateurs and non-amateurs alike.   Within our pages, we attempt to collect and decimate information on many subjects.   From links to other organizations and information on starting an Amateur Radio Disaster group. Attention Webmasters and Web Administrators As of March 01, 2002, this site was renamed, and the Logo's used have been replaced so not to suggest any associations to any long standing organizations or publishing companies with ties to Amateur radio.  Any webmaster having a link to this domain, and referring to this site as ARES National Web Site are requested to change your link you reflect the new name, and replace the ARES logo with the new ARDS logo used in the link with one of those on this page.  I thank you for your patients and understanding. ... ...