Page Title

The IS 700 course description indicates the course was developed to meet ALL Agency needs. Currently, in an emergency, if you do not have this course completed and the served agency is required by the Federal government to have given this course, you will be held at a "marshalling area" until the Agency training person arrives and administers a "crash" course. The Marshalling area concept is now used for you to check in, receive instructions, and to be assigned. Another change is that you will need to check out when you leave. This prevents volunteers from becoming "lost" once they have reported in.

I recommend that you take this course, at your own pace, on the Internet. Those who do, report getting their certificate much faster then those who took an agency crash course.

To take the on-line course go to http://training.fema.gov and click on training or go to:

http://virtualcampus.fema.gov/learningspace5/program/ui/main/themes/Kendall/main.asp

Follow the instructions to DHS IS-700. Even if you have completed the training course, if you arrive without your certificate of completion, under current policy, you will be held until you complete a new "crash course". Make sure when you receive your completion certificate, you photo copy it, put the original in a safe place and put your photo copy in your go kit.

Some people feel more comfortable taking a course in person with an instructor rather than on the Internet. If you're one of those, some Local governments that train their own personnel are running in person live training sessions. When this training occurs the Local government often invites the ARES members to participate. To find out if any of these opportunities exist, contact your ARES Region DEC. The Red Cross also has invited hams to participate when they run those training courses.

With Hurricane season fast approaching - don't put off taking the courses.

Larry Buck, K1HEJ