Training falls into three groups: 1). Methodist Disaster Training, 2) Federal Disaster Training, and 3) Other Training that supplements or is required or is optional.  Please consult the Training Matrixes, specific Team, and Training Dates for more information.  

METHODIST DISASTER TRAINING

There is no cost for the training; however the cost of the Identification Badge is $5.00 and the Methodist North Georgia Disaster tee shirts is $10.00

The current minimum training requirement is the M-100 "Introduction to Disaster Response" course which is detailed in other areas of this section.  This course provides a foundation for the new volunteer heading toward any type disaster work (early response, shelter worker, care ministry, etc.)

NEW FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

In an effort to provide better control and coordination at disaster incidents, the federal government has launched an ambitious ID program for disaster workers (federal, state, local, and volunteer) to keep spontaneous untrained volunteers (SUV's) from swarming to a disaster scene. A prototype of the new first responder identification card, shown below, is already being issued to fire and police personnel in the Washington, D.C., area.

At a checkpoint near the edge of a disaster, a card reader could be employed to determine whether the person had the minimum skills for entry and then whether they might have some unique skills as well.  Proponents say the system will get professionals on scene quicker and keep SUV's from making tough work more difficult.  It is anticipated that the identification will be gradually rolled out throughout the country during 2008 and possibly 2009.   The methodology for building the administrative part of  the database is not clear; however one should find and maintain all disaster training certificates plus completed certificates for your required course list from below.  These courses address the scalable Incident Command System developed during the 1970's and now used for all sizes of accidents and disasters by law enforcement, fire, EMT, search & rescue, and others..

VeriSign Media Relations' Rufus Manning, holds examples of IDs being developed as part of the new federal effort to create nationwide system of IDs for disaster workers

The minimum training would be the basic training required by the organization plus the following courses below with the number of courses required dependent on the role the individual performs within the organization..  

The first two courses below are designed for each team member or leader who plan on arriving at a disaster while road blocks or checkpoints are still in place or are helping to man a shelter or are performing assessment activities.  Below are the links to the courses which are offered online or one can download the materials, study, and go back online to take the test.

  FEMA Online Course w/Test: IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System (no cost)

  FEMA Online Course w/Test: IS-700 Introduction to National Incident Management System (no cost)

The two courses (200 & 800b) below are for team leaders who plan on arriving at a disaster while road blocks are still in place or the other functional roles as defined above..

  FEMA Online Course w/Test: IS-200 ICS for Single Resource and Initial Action Incidents (no cost)

  FEMA Online Course w/Test: IS-800b An Introduction to National Response Framework (no cost)

(IS-800A An Introduction to National Response Plan was retired March 31, 2008)

Once you have received the congratulations email and completion certificate, put all of them in a safe place.  Once the ID procedure is clear, a copy of the certificate will be required to get you in the database and an ID issued.  Don't wait, be ready!.

For conference disaster leaders who would be interacting with other agencies, either or both IS-300 (Intermediate) and 400 (Advanced) may be required at some point in the future.  These two courses (IS-300 and 400) are only provided in a classroom setting.  They are offered in the area periodically.  Check with your local Emergency Management Agency.  

Note that once the checkpoints have been removed, the requirement for having the federal ID is not longer necessary.  Therefore teams arriving during most of the relief stage and the rebuild stage periods would not be required to have the above training.  This is defined further on the training matrix page.

The long range impact on the Conference disaster identification card, shown above, is not known; however the Methodist ID card is still applicable and recognized by most organizations within the Conference area.  

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OTHER TRAINING

 

The SKYWARN is a storm spotter program.  They are interested in observations of tornados, damaging winds, hail (dime size+), and flooding.  The class is to train you in what information that they are interested and how to call to the answering system.  

 

  NOAA-SKYWARN Spotter Classes (usually held January to March, no cost)

Some of the GEMA courses that might be of interest to disaster team members are:

1. "Awareness for Initial response to Hazardous Materials" (8 hrs) - identification of truck, rail types and placards
2. "Incident Command System/Emergency Operations Center Interface" (4 hrs) - Advantages and need for an integrating the incident command system (ICS) and emergency operations center (EOC) operations.
3. "Infection Control (6 hrs) How to identify risk to blood borne/airborne pathogens, why at risk, measures for preventing exposure, what to do if exposed, and how to clean, disinfect, and dispose of contaminated materials."
4. "Rescue Specialist" (14 hrs) Basic of rescue techniques covering unit organization, search and rescue techniques, map and compass reading, and basic rope typing and knots.  Course is more focused toward advanced CERT.

  GEMA Field Delivered Program Courses w/Test 

  GEMA Field Delivered Course Schedule  (no cost)

Send a email to training@ngdisasterresponse.org and request an application for attending the GEMA courses.  Please go ahead and schedule the course via phone.

 Search and Rescue Courses: These courses are for Search Team member that would like to expand their training.

  NASAR Search & Rescue Courses (cost)

  NASAR Online SARTECH III Test (cost)

 :NASAR Course Schedule

Ham Operators Needed!  Our goal is to have a licensed ham operator and equipment with each team.  Whether there is a disaster within or outside the conference, there is a need for communications between the team and the conference as the conference has to report the status of operations to the state for coordinated activities.  Other reasons are team health and well-being,  conditions experienced or situations where the information would be useful for teams preparing to leave, and emergency traffic. 

  ARRL Short Wave License Manual -Technician License  (cost)

  ARRL Short Wave Radio Exam Date/Location Search for Georgia