Last updated – May 30, 2021 @ 3:14:41 PM

Participating in the DRS Program assumes acceptance with our Terms of Service.

1. Kings Point Amateur Radio Club (KPARC) operates the Disaster Radio Service (DRS) on a “BEST EFFORT”  basis in accordance with the state of Florida Good Samaritans Act (768.13) and Florida Volunteer Protection Act – 768.1355.  Thus assumes no liability, either implicit or implied.  DRS MEMBERS AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD KPARC AND ITS MEMBERS AND AFFILIATES HARMLESS FROM ALL LIABILITY, COSTS (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS AT THE TRIAL AND AT ALL APPELLATE LEVELS), AND DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO USE OF THE SERVICE.
    
2. In order to set expectations, it’s important the users of the DRS Program to understand the technical limitations and capabilities of the radios we use. 
    
3. The radios we offer and support as part of the registrations process are common devices marketed to allow unlicensed users to communicate with each other in casual settings like backyard bar-b-ques, beach outings and cruise boat adventures. Their use is not regulated. Anyone has access to the frequencies they use and can interfere with your personal communications. This generally doesn’t happen, but it could, and there is no law to prevent accidental or intentional interference.
    
4. The radios we have selected and tested seem to be good for the cost and appropriate for the purpose. They are typical and will often work well with other radios of the same type, but there is no guarantee they will work with other radios made by other manufacturers. We may be able to mitigate or resolve compatibility issues, but it’s not a promise we can make.
    
5. The inexpensive radios come with a fixed antenna, which limits their reach. We have found most of these radios will be able to reach our elevated club antenna if they are within a couple of miles. Most radios in this classification will be able to reach a listening station if they are within a mile because our listening stations have special licenses that allow them to operate with more privileges, including external antennas.
    
6. The radios are affected mostly by “line of sight”. If there is a structure or obstacle between you and the radio you are attempting to communicate with, it may be an issue. Moving just a few feet or to a window might have significant effects. The radios are also affected by positioning. A radio held vertically, horizontally, or diagonally will all behave differently. 
    
7. Sometimes communications issues are weather-related and conditions change from day to day. This is true of all radio communications, even your cell phone may be different from day to day.
    
8. All radios can be impacted when two people speak at the same time. This is unavoidable, but listening before talking can help.
    
9. The Kings Point Amateur Radio Club believes this system will benefit the community, while at the same time offers residents a consumer product useful for other purposes.
    
10. KPARC holds a test network each Wednesday morning to ensure users are able to connect to a listening station and to make sure their radio works, and all DRS members are strongly encouraged to participate as often as they can.  In order to remain in the program, you must participate a minimum of 4 times per year.  Failure to do so will result in the removal of your account from the program.  I order for you to participation validated, your communication must be confirmed and logged by a listening station.
     
11. The Kings Point Amateur Radio Club and associated listening stations are providing the “best effort” service without warranty or liability.  It is important to note, we are volunteers with families and may be dealing with real problems just like yours. In a real emergency, you will need to be patient, persistent, and considerate.  Your attempts to contact a listening station may be affected by the situation on the ground.
     
12. It is the responsibility of the residents to keep their radios charged (at least once per week) and test them regularly.
     
13. The DRS Net is only monitored during the Wednesday morning test and during real weather emergencies that have the potential to take out power and communications.
     
14. The DRS Net channel should be reserved for emergency use. Residents are encouraged to choose another channel for communications within their local neighborhood. You should do this in advance. If you have a problem or question, send a request to ecom@kparc.org and someone will get back to you.