Fire, Flood, Hurricane, Accident, Tornado
When Communications are OUT!
Landlines, Cell Phones, and the Internet will not work!
Disaster Radio Service Membership Sun City Center – Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or major accidents can knock out landlines, cell phones, and internet access. In those critical moments, the Kings Point Amateur Radio Club Inc. Non-Profit Disaster Radio Service (DRS) steps in to fill the communication gap — helping you request emergency aid when traditional systems are down.
What Is DRS?
The Disaster Radio Service is a volunteer radio-based emergency notification system run by Kings Point Radio Club Inc. (KPARC) on a best-effort basis. It gives community members a low-cost additional way to request help from public safety agencies when other channels are unavailable.
Who Runs It?
Local licensed amateur radio operators and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) operators, in collaboration with KPARC, operate the service on a volunteer best effort basis. They coordinate with public safety officials, such as the SCC Emergency Squad and 911 dispatch, to assist in getting emergency messages through.
How It Works:
- Community members register as DRS Member.
- In an emergency, when phones or internet are down, you use your radio to contact one of the DRS “listening stations” located throughout the community. Operators at these stations monitor for distress calls.
- Once a request is received, the listening station relays your message to the appropriate emergency response agency (e.g. SCC Emergency Squad or 911), using amateur radio links.
How to Join or Learn More:
Interested in becoming part of DRS, or want to see how it functions in practice? Please request an appointment using the link below. Appointment can be requested for Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Club members will walk you through the registration process, training, and how to use the system.
Click here for information about joining the program.
Cost of Membership:
DRS is designed to be accessible. Becoming a member carries a one-time fee of $15. This covers your enrollment in the program — no recurring dues required, however in-order to maintain your membership you MUST participate in at least 4 Wed. morning test net sessions per year, please see the full Terms & Conditional policy.
Coverage Area and Map:
A service map shows user radio locations in blue and operator listening stations in red. While the interactive map is for internal use due to privacy, a static version is available for reference to show program coverage across Sun City Center, Florida (pop. ~26,000).
DRS Member and Listening Station Map
The user radios are shown in blue, Amateur Radio operators control Stations are shown in red. Because the interactive map contains sensitive personal data, this image is for visualization of the program.
Disaster Radio Program in the News
July 30, 2025 – Spectrum Bay New 9
June 26, 2025 – The Observer News
The Kings Point Amateur Radio Club’s Disaster Radio Service (DRS) has become a cornerstone of community disaster preparedness in Sun City Center. For a one-time $15 fee, residents receive a handheld radio and join a network that now includes nearly 800 members, up from about 100 in 2018. DRS members participate in four annual Wednesday tests to ensure readiness and reliability. With support from the Kings Point Master Association’s and the Interfaith Social Action Council grant and donation, the program has strengthened its infrastructure, restored antennas, and enhanced backup power—making it one of the region’s most robust neighborhood emergency communication systems.
To read the full story – Click Here