Training opportunities, particularly online, are abundant. Here are some popular ones for those interested in emergency communications. (Also, don’t miss Mike Shaw’s excellent Facebook page dedicated training for hams and other emergency volunteers.)
FEMA
Here is the catalog of independent study courses, with links. Among the most popular courses:
- ICS-100 (IS-100.B), Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training.
- ICS-200 (IS-200.B): ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS.
- ICS-700 (IS-700.B): National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction, introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
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ICS-800 (IS-800.B): National Response Framework, An Introduction, introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework.
Storm Spotting/Skywarn
- National Weather Service (Birmingham), SKYWARN® Basic & Graduate Spotter Class. This page provides a schedule of courses offered by NWS. They are primarily being offered as live webinars.
- MetEd / COMET® Program is a huge source of online courses on climate and weather. Visitors can complete SKYWARN® training there. (The basic course is actually made up of 2 modules, Role of the Skywarn Spotter and Skywarn Spotter Convective Basics.)
ARRL
- Introduction to Emergency Communication (EC-001) Course #: EC-001. This course is designed to provide knowledge & tools for emergency communications volunteers. The course has 29 lessons. It includes required student activities, a 35-question final assessment and is expected to take approximately 45 hours to complete over a 9-week period. You work with a mentor online. It costs $50 and requires a considerable amount of studying and writing.
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Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs (EC-016)-Course #: EC-016. Another extensive course requiring a large number of prerequisites. This course is designed to train licensed Amateur Radio operators who will be in leadership and managerial roles organizing other volunteers to support public service activities and communications emergencies.
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PR-101: ARRL Public Relations (EC-015)-Course #: EC-015. This is a basic training course for Public Information Officers and anyone interacting with the media and promoting Amateur Radio. This course is designed to give hams a quick overview of public relations activities.