RAYNET, The Radio Amateurs’ Emergency Network is a national body of Radio Amateurs who are pledged to provide communications in times of emergency.
RAYNET was formed in 1953 following the severe East coast flooding, to provide a way of organising the valuable resource that Amateur Radio is able to provide to the community. Since then, it has grown into a very active organisation with around 2000 members, providing communication assistance on hundreds of events each year.
The primary aim of the organisation is to provide communications in times of emergency and disaster. The list of ‘User Services’ (i.e. people who we are allowed under the terms of the Amateur transmitting licence to pass messages on behalf of) who may call on our help include:
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Any UK Police force, Fire & Rescue service or Ambulance trust.
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HM Coastguard
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Local Authority Emergency Planning Officers
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Any health authority
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Any government department
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British Red Cross
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St John Ambulance
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St Andrew’s Ambulance Association
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RVS
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Salvation Army
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Any ‘Public Utility’. This can include BT, Gas and Water suppliers etc.