FEMA Independent Study Online Courses

   Hall County ARES requires that all of our Active Duty operators successfully complete the FEMA ICS 100a and 700a independent study courses.  These classes are considered mandatory by some agencies to allow us to work in a disaster relief effort.  It would be a shame to go through all of our training and then be sent home during a disaster response just because we did not take the time for these two online courses.  It takes a couple of hours for most people and the multiple choice test is an "open book" format.  While we don't consider this mandatory for our Reserve Operators we highly recommend them.  As an incentive, we will issue each person that completes these two courses an Identity Badge and our water resistant Field Guide.

   When taking the test remember to print each page with you answers marked before you move on to the next page.  There have been several people that for one reason or another did not get their certificates emailed after their test was submitted.  The submission of your answer sheet is very specific and if you do not follow instructions perfectly your test results will not be accepted.  Re-taking the final exam is much easier if you have saved your answers.  Take this from someone that has taken over a dozen FEMA ICS courses.  It is really easy to monkey up the submission and have to re-take the test...

Here are the direct links to the two courses we consider mandatory:

Introduction to the Incident Command System

NIMS: An Introduction

Additional Courses

   While not required, there are several other courses that are quite informational and informative.  These courses will not only make you better prepared to work as an emergency communicator, they will make you a better prepared citizen in the event of a disaster.  They will aid you in preparing your home and family in the event we are struck with a tragedy in our community.  Below are a few courses that are aimed at the average citizen and emergency responder.

A Citizens Guide to Disaster Assistance

Are You Ready?  An In Depth Guide to Citizens Preparedness

An introduction to Exercises

Effective Communication

Disaster Basics

Complete Course List

   You may want to look at the entire list of available Independent Study courses.  There may be some that are applicable to your particular situation or responsibilities.  If you are having trouble sleeping at night, a few of these are bound to help you read yourself to sleep.

Emergency Management Institute Course List