Training

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:

Storm Spotting/Skywarn

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.
  • 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.

  • 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.