Core Training is the basic training for the new disaster response volunteer or for the team or team member that might be activated during the Emergency Stage.  It is recommended that no team or team member should deploy without a basic level of training and possessing the personal identification that will be necessary at some of the disaster sites.

001 M-100 Introduction to Disaster Response (3 hrs) No matter what type of team one is headed to, everyone will receive this training. There is a lot of background information that the new volunteer will need in order to function effectively in a disaster.  Aspects covered are disaster terminology, ministry basis of disaster response, Methodist history, agencies in disaster, disaster relief services, the disaster team, disaster team member, how to prepare, and what to take.  This course must be renewed every three years. [Taught in classroom, Student manual, PowerPoint, and wallet certification, cost of making ID]  Required for personnel in North Georgia Conference Disaster Response Ministry.

002 IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System (2 hrs) Federal regulation (Directive 5 HSPD-5) requires that requires all personnel responding during the Emergency Stage have completed IS-100 and 700 or not participate during the first post-disaster stage (Emergency Stage) until the courses have been completed.  This will impact Disaster Assessment Teams, CERT Teams, some Disaster Response Teams, some Field Kitchen Teams, and Shower/Laundry Teams.  This course introduces the Incident Command System and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS-training.  This course describes the history, procedures, and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System.  It also explains the relationships between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). [Taught in classroom, Student manual, classroom w/test or on-line course w/test and certification]  Required for all personnel who response early in a disaster (Early Response Teams, Shelter Teams, and Disaster Assessment).

003 IS-700 Introduction to National Incident Management System (3 hrs) This course explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS.  The course also contains “Planning Activity” screens giving you an opportunity to complete some planning takes during  the course.  [Student manual, classroom w/test or on-line course w/ test and certification] Required for all personnel who response early in a disaster (Early Response Teams, Shelter Teams, and Disaster Assessment).

004 ARC First Aid including CPR-AED-FA (8 hrs) No team to go into the field without a certified first aid person and the more qualified the better.  Additionally, more than one person should be qualified. The recommended course is taught by the American Red Cross.

005 AARL Ham Radio License - Technician  Each team, particularly ERT's and Disaster Assessment should have a ham radio with an licensed operator.  Rather than a class, information is provided for obtaining the Technician book course book which contains the 350 test questions and answers (check for latest question pool-currently 7/1/06).  Seventy-five of those will comprise the test.  There are two other higher levels - General and Extra which entitle the holder to operations on additional band widths for each level. Each has its own test but you must start with the Technician.  There is no longer a morse code requirement.  E The book is entitled The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual ($24.95 plus shipping) and may be obtained from  ARRL Publications (www.arrl.org/shop).  Testing locations may be found at  http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml .

006 IS-7 A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance  This course provides a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local community, State, and the federal government in providing disaster assistance. It is appropriate for both the general public and those involved in emergency management who need a general introduction to disaster assistance. [Online course w/test]  

007 IS-22 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness" has been designed to help the citizens of this nation learn how to protect themselves and their families against all types of hazards. It can be used as a reference source or as a step-by-step manual. The focus of the content is on how to develop, practice, and maintain emergency plans that reflect what must be done before, during, and after a disaster to protect people and their property. Also included is information on how to assemble a disaster supplies kit that contains the food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity for individuals and their families to survive. [Online course w/test]   

008 IS-55 Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens  The course will introduce you to household hazardous materials and things you can do to protect yourself and your family from injury or death. In the 1st unit, you will learn about basic chemical and physical properties, the ways chemicals enter your body, and the effects chemicals have on your body.  In the 2nd and 3rd units, you will learn about cleaning products, lead, mercury, gasoline, compressed gases, carbon monoxide, medical supplies, chlorine, pesticides, and much more.  In the last two units, you will cover labels, personal protective equipment, proper disposal methods, preventive measures to take before natural disasters, and less toxic alternatives.  [Online course w/test] 1-3 hours.  

009 IS-271 Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk This course will help you enhance your ability to recognize potentially hazardous weather and flooding situations and how they may affect your community and familiarizing you with National Weather Service (NWS) products so that you understand how to use and interpret forecasts [Online course w/test]

010 IS-010 Animals In Disaster-Awareness and Preparation The purpose of this course is intended to increase awareness and preparedness among animal owners and care providers. It includes sections on typical hazards, how these affect animals and what can be done by responsible owners to reduce the impact of disasters. It is also intended to help animal owners, care providers and industries to better understand emergency management. [Online course w/test]

011 IS-011 Animals In Disaster- Community Planning  The course is intended to guide emergency management officials and animal owners, care providers, and industries in preparing community disaster plans. The goal is to provide sufficient information for both groups to meet and develop meaningful and effective plans that improve the care of animals, their owners, and the animal-care industries in disasters. This course provides the basic background knowledge needed to develop a coordinated response to a disaster in which animals and their owners are affected. [Online course w/test]

012 IS-111 Livestock in Disasters  This course is for farmers, extension agents, emergency managers and others who have interests in the livestock industry. It describes the various hazards that animals can face and how to mitigate them, as well as how to respond to an actual disaster. The livestock industry is a multi-billion dollar business that provides food for the American people as well as those overseas. It is important to insure our livestock are safe from hazards and will not suffer from the effects of hazards. [Online course w/test]