Training

Training is a very important part of TCARES, we need to train to be able to be deployable.  “Deployable” means that you are fully qualified, and ready, to be called out for an emergency.  When you first become a member of TCARES you are placed in what’s called “Level 0”, this is the entry level, call it an apprentice level, when you have questions, and you will have lots of questions, ask any other TCARES member, if they don’t have an answer they can direct you to someone who does.  

Training involves not only online courses but regular exercises.  Exercises come in several flavors, the tabletop exercise is simply working through a scenario and deciding appropriate responses in a hypothetical environment with all activity on paper, the field exercise is one that includes actual deployment to a physical location.

New members are required to complete the FEMA online courses as soon as possible and within 6 months of joining TCARES.  The courses, available at https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx?lang=en&all=true, are IS-100, -200, -700, and -800.  Send your completion certificates to Steve Tomlin W7SLT.  You must also obtain a current, OSHA approved First Aid/CPR/AED certification, this class is available online but an in-person class is preferable.  A driver safety course is also highly recommended.