Individual members have their own two-way radios and are licensed to operate on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amateur radio bands. In addition, radios on the system are located ready for use in the seven Community Centers. Most equipment is portable and can be operated on batteries during emergency power outages. The library station, Headquarters, can be operated on batteries which are recharged by solar cells located on the roof of the library. The back-up station is in the RB Community Park gym, which houses two antennae in the tower.

The RBERS group consists of 25 people who are in a continuous state of readiness, with weekly roll call. On each Saturday morning at 8 a.m., they establish two-way radio contact with the RBERS communications coordinator, Jim Scanlan, to insure that their equipment is working from locations all over Rancho Bernardo. Announcements of common interest, such as Emergency Preparedness information and meetings, are shared among the group.

RBERS members serve on the Communications teams with District Coordinators of Neighborhood Watch and Emergency Preparedness. When disaster strikes, they activate the seven community center radio stations and the library control station. They transmit and receive disaster messages for Coordinators to and from the control station. Quarterly drills are held during the year.

On the second Saturday of each month, the RBERS group meets at 8 a.m. at Coco’s in RB. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the group, call Jim Scanlan 858-485-0879.