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Training

Woodinville Emergency Communications Team (WECT) Participation and Training Requirements 

 

The Woodinville Fire & Rescue District (WF&R) takes your decision to become an emergency communications volunteer very seriously. As a member of the Woodinville Emergency Communications Team (WECT) you receive a King County badge, access to fire stations, a team shirt and name tag, and an emergency vest.  Woodinville EC Team assumes you want to do the best job you can in service to the WF&R first responders, employees, and people in your community. With that in mind, we’ve spelled out explicitly what you can do in order to accomplish that.

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How do I become a HAM operator?

You will need to obtain your FCC Amateur Radio License Technician Class or higher.

This is a very straight forward and simple process: 

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First three months 

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To help you decide if WECT is a good fit with your skills and interests, membership begins with a three month provisional or trial period. Once you’ve submitted an application, passed the background check, and filled out your emergency worker card, you’ll want to attend meetings, participate in drills or other activities, and get a good start on the training requirements. At a minimum, you’re expected to :

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ï‚· Obtain the FCC Amateur Radio License Technician Class or higher.

ï‚· Attend at least two meetings.

ï‚· Check in on at least half of the weekly nets.

ï‚· Complete the four ICS courses described in the training section of this document.

 

Once you’ve completed the three-month provisional membership period you’ll receive a county badge, a team shirt, and a name tag.  To keep your skills current—and to receive official volunteer recognition from the WF&R Office of Emergency Management (OEM)—you’ll need to meet specific training and participation goals.  Participation requirements To get the most out of your volunteer experience, you’ll want to participate in all the meetings, drills, and weekly nets.

 

The following table describes what’s expected in terms of the recommended participation level (required for official WF&R OEM volunteer recognition) and the minimum participation level (required to maintain your status as an active ARES volunteer).   

ARRL TRAINING MANUAL.JPG
WECT TABLE.jpg

In addition, you’ll need to

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ï‚· Track your volunteer and training hours and report them monthly using the designated online tool.

  1.  Training Log & Volunteer Hours tracking - "Coming Soon"               

ï‚· Maintain a go-bag (including a log book and a current copy of the team manual) for callouts.

 

If you find for whatever reason that you can’t meet the minimum goals listed above, contact the Woodinville Team (WECT) Emergency Coordinator (EC) to discuss your particular situation.  

 

Training requirements 

Your success as a WECT volunteer depends on a familiarity with basic emergency communications skills, and a working knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) used by King County and the Woodinville Fire & Rescue District. The following  describes the training you’re expected to complete during your first year as a Woodinville EC Team member.

  
Course Description 
IS-100.c Introduction to Incident Command System

Introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. Free. https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c

 

IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

Designed to help you operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS).  ICS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. Free. http://www.training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.b

 

IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

Describes the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. Free. http://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.a

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IS-800.c National Response Framework, An Introduction

The course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework, which provides a context for how the whole community can work together during an emergency, and how emergency response efforts relate to other aspects of national preparedness.

https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-800.c

 

ACES  ACES Basic Certification  

This two-day course provides a practical introduction to emergency communications skills, and includes hands-on practice. Prerequisites: ICS 100, ICS 200, and ICS 700. Cost: $25. NOTE: This course was developed by Oregon ACES ("Auxiliary Communication Emergency Solutions") and is taught by local volunteers.

http://www.oregonaces.org/

 
CPR and First Aid 
American Heart Association CPR and Basic First Aid.  These courses are provided to ARES members periodically at no charge, usually at Redmond Ready events.  

http://wf-r.org/classes/1631152 

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To Get a Copy

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If you would like a copy of this information in a PDF format click here.

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Interested in joining WECT? 

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Contact the WECT team directly for more information by using our contact form. Come to a meeting and connect with the WECT leadership, know our team and then to begin the process to become a City of Woodinville Volunteer by using the on-line application.  

 

E-mail the completed application form to us at wect.ares@gmail.com

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