Training
Emergency communications and incident-management training for ARES volunteers.
Why training matters
In an emergency we work alongside professional responders, so we use the same language and the same systems they do. Training prepares our members to operate safely and effectively, and to integrate with the Franklin County EMA under the Incident Command System (ICS). Most of the core training is free and online, and you can work through it at your own pace.
The basic path
New members are encouraged to complete the foundational courses below. You do not need to finish everything before you participate — start checking into the net and attending meetings right away, and work through the training as you go.
1. FEMA independent-study courses (free, online)
These are the standard NIMS/ICS courses for emergency volunteers:
- IS-100 — Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200 — ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- IS-700 — Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- IS-800 — National Response Framework, an Introduction
Take them at the FEMA Emergency Management Institute. Each ends with a short exam, and you'll receive a certificate.
2. ARRL EC-001 — Introduction to Emergency Communication
The ARRL's EC-001 course teaches the fundamentals of amateur radio emergency communication: how ARES is organized, how to work with served agencies, message handling, nets, and personal readiness. Find it in the ARRL online course catalog.
Recommended order
Most members start with IS-100 and IS-700, then take EC-001, and add IS-200 and IS-800. Leadership roles (EC and above) require additional courses.
Keep your certificates
When you complete a course, save your certificate (a PDF or printout). Some served-agency roles and ID credentials require proof of training, so it helps to keep your records together.
Other ways to build skills
- Check into the nightly net — the simplest, most valuable practice there is.
- Take a turn as net control — let us know and we'll help you get started.
- SKYWARN — severe-weather spotter training from the National Weather Service.
- Field Day and the SET — annual on-air exercises that build real operating experience.
- Digital modes — try packet, APRS, and Winlink using our local nodes (see Nets & Repeaters).
Questions about where to start? Contact us or ask on the net — we're happy to help.