Kirkland Emergency Communications Team (KECT)

The Kirkland Emergency Communications Team (KECT) is a group of volunteers who have Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amateur radio licenses, live in the City of Kirkland, and may provide communications support to the City during planned events, disruptions, and disasters.

KECT has been providing the City of Kirkland with volunteer-supported communications since 1995. KECT is activated by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff when communications support is required. 

KECT runs short tests of its network on most Sunday evenings and conducts exercises to keep their skills active.

During a disaster, members will report to an assigned location to provide backup communications. KECT members may also be called on to support non-emergency city activities such as parades and other events. 

KECT is a volunteer group that supports the City of Kirkland and may be further activated under provisions of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 118-04 – Emergency Worker Program – concerning Communications Emergency Workers.

Join a Sunday Night Net

The KECT Sunday Night Net runs weekly on Sunday evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m. on linked VHF and UHF repeaters with frequencies of 145.49 and 441.075 MHz.

Visitors are always welcome to check in with their name, call sign, and location during the call. Net control will ask for visitors to report after team member check ins.

Joining KECT

People interested in joining KECT are invited to attend a meeting to meet other members and learn more about the group. 

KECT meetings are held the third Wednesday of scheduled months according to the annual calendar from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please contact the OEM team to attend a meeting.

After attending a meeting, KECT members must register as City volunteers, pass a background check, and register as Emergency Workers through the OEM.

Membership is open to residents of Kirkland that have an FCC Amateur Radio License at the Technician level or higher.

To get started or learn more contact the OEM at KirklandEM@kirklandwa.gov or (425) 587-3691, and view the outlined process via KECT resources under the New Member Resources tab!

Amateur Radio Licensing

Interested in amateur radio but still need to get your license?

Find local upcoming licensing classes through the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) website.

Contact KECT

Email: KirklandEM@kirklandwa.gov

Phone: 425-587-3691 

 

Kirkland Emergency Communications Team

KECT Resources

Member Resources

Back to top