RACES is any event that the Government sees a need for additional communications needs. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for the regulation of RACES operations. Each RACES group is administrated by a local, county, or state civil defense agency responsible for disaster services. This civil defense agency is typically an emergency services or emergency management organization, sometimes within another agency such as police or fire. In some areas, RACES may be part of an agency's Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS).

ARES Events can be any event where a Communications need exists of a non-commercial nature or where all other means of communications are or have been exhausted. (See FCC Part 97 Rules for clarification.) Annually ARES groups assist organizations around the state in events such as parades, non-profit organization events and local government functions/exercises which provide training for Ham Radio Operators. ARES is administered by the ARRL - American Radio Relay League based in Newington, Connecticut.

Skywarn is administered by the NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Division.